Creepy Clown Frenzy Comes to Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers

Facebook and Instagram accounts "Clownjohn Jacobs" and "Mount Vernon Clowns" have joined the national trend of anonymous social media threats, according to The Journal News.

A list of threatened schools, including in Mount Vernon, was posted on Facebook, the paper said.
Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Ron Fatigate told TJN the police are investigating and urged people to not be alarmed but to report anything that didn't seem right.

Read the entire article on lohud.com.

The frenzy has hit New Rochelle, Yonkers and Dutchess County, too, where the sheriff said it's a very frustrating scenario for first responders, as most of the so-called threats are hoaxes.

SEE: 'Creepy Clowns' Statement Issued By Dutchess County Sheriff

The Sheriff’s Office offered guidelines to the public for dealing with these situations:

1. At this time there is no reason for panic or alarm as a result of these reports. Some of the incidents reported have been legitimate; however the vast majority of reported “creepy clown” incidents have turned out to be hoaxes and/or pranks.
2. If someone is acting suspiciously, whether or not they are wearing a clown costume, report it to law enforcement.
3. Much of the hysteria surrounding the “creepy clowns” has been fueled by the internet — don’t believe everything that you read on social media.
4. There appear to be two aspects to this phenomenon: (1) those who actually dress in clown costumes to commit suspicious/illegal acts, and (2) those who are reporting clown sightings as pranks to try and cause alarm. As stated previously it appears as though the first is much less common than the second. Note — those who are caught committing illegal acts or generating false reports as hoaxes will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
5. If you are confronted with a “creepy clown” or other suspicious person, do not take matters into your own hands, flee if you can and contact law enforcement as soon as possible.

The Sheriff’s Office reminded the public that common sense should prevail and that any suspicious circumstance or person should be reported to 911 or law enforcement as soon as possible.

In fact, authorities in Connecticut have begun making arrests.

See related stories:

• 2 Teens Arrested for Creepy Clown Posts on Social Media in Naugatuck: UPDATE
• 2 Milford Students Charged After Displaying Clown Pictures in School: Report

Patch file photo