Clowns Come to Cleveland?
(Courtesy of Scarehouse 2013. Photo by Jason Cohn)
Some of you may have already heard about the clown epidemic going on predominately in the Southern states. Is this a cause for alarm? Here is some of the information I found then you can decide.
The trend began in South Carolina, where residents of the Fleetwood apartments and their children claimed clowns attempted to lure them into the nearby woods. These clowns offered large sums of money if the children followed them.
Pennsylvania had a couple of incidences with the clowns as well. Two such occurrences were: a bunch of pranksters harassing local kids and teens. The second occasion was a peeping tom. So far, it appeared that the Pennsylvania police believed many of social media reports were false.
In Kentucky, a man dressed as a clown was arrested for hiding in the bushes nearby. The man was “charged with disorderly conduct and wearing a mask in a public place” by police in Middlesboro.
In North Carolina, a clown wielding a machete was said to have chased a person into the woods. No signs of the clown had been found.
As you can see the reports are all over the place. I personally would say that there is nothing to panic about, but also it is not something to just brush off. The multitude and variety of the incidences suggest it is not organized by any one group. This “trend” could be multiple individuals acting on their own.
While one clown sighting was linked to promotion for Rob Zombie’s movie “31,” the recent clown epidemic has potential for more than just pranksters to run with the idea.
Cleveland, Miss., police don’t seem too worried. However, “I went to the store near campus and was grabbing some things for my room,” Delta State student Najawon Wilson said. “An officer was in there all along and when I get to the counter the officer mentions the ‘clowns.’ I don’t know if it’s exactly true but for the most part I’ve heard that the clowns are cowards taking away lives. The officer at Andy’s mentioned that he knew it wouldn’t be long before someone in Cleveland would try doing the clown imitation.”
As for us here at Delta State, I am confident that our campus police and staff will keep us safe. Even so I will leave with some of the advice given by some of the people I interviewed.
A few people have said that if you must go out at night to do the “buddy system” and try to never go out at night alone.
One person said to keep pepper spray on hand and the campus police on speed dial.
Another added if you happen to see one, even if you are going to class, to turn back and find a friend or campus police. Your professors will understand.
Finally, Melody Lyon stated, “The campus police will give you a lift at night if necessary so just ask.”
Campus Police: 662-846-4155
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2016/09/somebodys_going_to_get_hurt_cl.html