Winnipeg police warn two 17-year-olds after multiple creepy clown reports

Police say dressing up as a clown in not against the law, but a person could face charges if there are grounds to believe he or she committed acts of mischief, or threatened, assaulted or harassed others.

Creepy clown sightings, threats and arrests have been reported across North America and even reached the United Kingdom.

“The Winnipeg Police Service takes matters like these very seriously, and encourages anyone considering engaging in this type of behaviour to stop and take a moment to consider the impact it may have on others, including themselves,” police said in a news release Sunday.

Police said although creepy clowns appear to be merely pranksters who are only interested in scaring people, anyone in a similar situation who is concerned for their safety should call police immediately.

In North Battleford, Sask., RCMP say they received a report on Saturday of two creepy clowns hanging out in a park. But they say the complainant phoned back after realizing it was actually just two young children who were wearing masks.

Two recent creepy clown incidents in North Bay, Ont., prompted police there to issue a public notice last week that people who are considering dressing up as a prank could face prosecution.

In one of the incidents, police said they received a report that a person dressed as a clown was crouching in the bushes and scaring children on bicycles.

The number of creepy clown incidents has even prompted an announcement last week from McDonald’s that Ronald McDonald would be keeping a low profile.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Winnipeg police warn two 17-year-olds after multiple creepy clown reports

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