'Creepy Clown' Threats on Social Media Investigated in Montgomery Co.

ROCKVILLE, MD — With the craze of threats made under the guise of “creepy clowns” on social media in Montgomery County and nationwide — often as a prank — school officials posted a letter Tuesday to reassure parents they are monitoring threats.

Reports of clowns harassing children two weeks ago turned out to be fake in Annapolis, where several children reported seeing people dressed in clown costumes and wearing face paint. The youngsters later admitted they made up the reports, and police scolded youths for taking resources away from other cases to run down what turned out to be fabricated reports of people garbed as clowns stalking kids.

Then the weekend brought several threats in neighboring Prince George's County, where police arrested a juvenile Monday for allegedly threatening mass violence at Parkdale High School in Riverdale. The teen set up a Twitter account with a clown theme while in class, then tweeted threats to harm anyone at Parkdale High School during the school day.

On Tuesday, Montgomery County Public Schools officials said several MCPS schools have received vague threats via social media. The anonymous threats were posted and shared under a “clown” alias.

The Montgomery County Police Department is aware of these threats and investigating the matter. Police say there is nothing to indicate there is any threat to public safety regarding these social media posts.

“If you notice anything unusual or have any information, please contact the non-emergency number immediately at (301) 279-8000. In light of this situation, it is recommended that you review safety procedures with your child, advise them to be more observant, and report any suspicious activity,” school officials said.

Safety tips provided by the National Crime Prevention Council:

What Parents Can Do:

• Know where your children are at all times: Make it a rule that your children must ask permission or check in with you before going anywhere.
• Point out safe places. Show your children safe places to play, safe roads and paths to take, and safe places to go if there’s trouble.
• Teach children to trust their instincts. Explain that if they ever feel scared or uncomfortable, they should get away as fast as they can and tell an adult.
• Teach your children to be assertive. Make sure they know that it’s OK to say no to an adult and to run.
• Encourage your children to play with others. There’s safety in numbers!

What Children Can Do:

• Don’t talk to strangers.
• Don’t take anything from strangers.
• Don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know.
• Use the buddy system, avoid walking anywhere alone.
• When seeking help, always go to a trusted adult – teacher, coach, police officer, other parent or older siblings.
• If a stranger grabs you, do everything you can to stop him or her from pulling you away. Drop to the ground, kick, hit, bite and scream. Do whatever it takes to attract the attention of others who can help you. If someone is dragging you away, scream, “this is not my dad,” or “this is not my mom.”
• Report any suspicious activity to your local school and police department.

»Photo via Pixabay