Creepy Clown Sightings Reported in Maplewood, SOMA School Officials Offer Statement: Police

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Authorities in Maplewood and South Orange are taking precautionary security measures due to recent reports of clown-related scares in the area, reports say.

On Thursday, the Maplewood Police Department stated that there have been two recent “clown sightings” in town. However, after conducting an investigation, police have determined that “one did not occur and the second one was unable to be substantiated.”

“There has been no threat to any of our schools, however the police department and school officials are remaining vigilant and are working together to ensure a safe school environment,” police stated.

• See related article: N.J. Cops Urge Against Clown Halloween Costumes After Threats
• See related article: More Creepy Clown Sightings In NJ, And They're Getting Creepier

“Maplewood police are conducting extra periodic patrols at all of our schools,” authorities said. “Parents are urged to speak to their children about the seriousness of reporting false information to school officials and/or the police. They should also be discouraged from and made aware of the seriousness of posting any type of internet post that could be construed as a threat. Obviously, if a clown is observed in an area where one would not normally see one, it should be reported and will be investigated by the police department. In the event that there is an incident that involves any threatening or possible criminal activity, such incidents should also be reported to the police immediately so that they may be properly investigated.”

The South Orange-Maplewood School District issued a statement about the “clown threats” on Wednesday, encouraging parents to call police if they spotted anything suspicious.

“All of our administrators are aware of the issue and we have been in contact with our local law enforcement partners,” school administrators wrote. “The police chiefs have assured us that officers are assigned to provide extra attention to our schools to ensure student and staff safety as they monitor the situation.”

The series of New Jersey creepy clown sightings have been part of a nationwide pattern of recent mysterious clown appearances also reported in South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland and elsewhere. Some reports have led to arrests, including a situation in South Jersey in which a student made clown-related threats against classmates.

• See related article: West Orange Schools, Police Investigate ‘Bobby The Clown’ Instagram Post
• See related article: Montclair Superintendent Says No Clown Costumes At School For Halloween

Photo: Flickr Commons, Alyssa L. Miller