Marlboro School Put In Lockdown Over Clown Scare

MARLBORO, NJ-- Dugan Elementary School in Marlboro was temporarily ordered to shelter in place Thursday following a false alarm over a clown sighting.

Superintendent Eric Hibbs alerted parents to the early afternoon disruption in a phone message, sent out at 4:05 PM.

When the clown was spotted, a shelter in place was ordered, and the Marlboro police were called.

"Upon arrival of police we then investigated the claim; this included watching over three hours of video that specifically focused on the area reported in the sighting," Hibbs said. "There is absolutely no evidence that there was any individual in the area of the claim."

Police also investigated cars and the surrounding area, and found "absolutely no evidence that anybody inappropriate was on Dugan grounds in the area of the claims," Hibbs said.

Clowns have become increasingly disruptive to schools in New Jersey over the past two weeks. South Brunswick, West Orange, East Hanover, and Roselle Park have all experienced a disruption due to clown threats or sightings, and numerous other towns have had clown scares outside of schools.

You can listen to the full voice message from Hibbs here.

Image via Morguefile