Police: Local creepy clown a hoax

The creepy clown phenomenon sweeping across the nation has made its way to
the Bay Area. But have no fear, in San Mateo County, police believe it appears to
be little more than a hoax.
Police and school district officials were tipped off Wednesday to a posting on an
anonymous Instagram account claiming that clowns would visit several local
schools. Within hours, dozens of apparent students in San Mateo, Burlingame
and Redwood City were commenting in response many actually encouraging
the clown to come visit their campus. While officials called it a hoax emphasizing
no explicit threats were made in the posting that mentioned San Mateo County
schools, they noted the epidemic of the creepy clown was causing concern.
Because its so far been a hoax throughout the country, I dont think at this
point anyone is taking it seriously. But as a precaution, and because its schools,
in the off chance that it is serious, we arent taking any chances and are
monitoring it and in close contact with the schools, said Burlingame police Lt.
Jay Kiely.
School officials and police encouraged parents to talk with their children about
the inappropriate use of social media particularly as real people dressed as
clowns have caused recent police incidents. In Concord, a person dressed as a
clown allegedly attempted to abduct a 1-year-old child near a bus stop
Wednesday afternoon, according to Bay City News Service.
A woman reported she fended off the costumed attacker by kicking him after he
grabbed her childs arm, according to Bay City News Service. A day earlier,
Antioch police were dispatched to a middle school on a report of social media
posts claiming a clown was going to shoot at the school, according to Bay City
News Service.
By Wednesday, Burlingame and San Mateo police issued statements about the
Instagram posting, which was eventually taken down along with a photograph of
a clown. However, students responses remained online.With the advent and
popularity of social media allowing people to remain anonymous as they make

veiled threats, it can be difficult for law enforcement to track down whos
responsible. Kiely and San Mateo police Sgt. Amanda Von Glahn said anyone
found making explicit threats can face criminal charges and urged students not
to encourage the behavior.
We ask the students not to engage in conversations or posts with the subjects
that are posting these hoaxes, Von Glahn said. Obviously this is a pretty hot
topic for the nation right now and has impacted numerous school districts. Were
asking anybody that has information on whos responsible for these social media
posts to contact [police.]
But several Instagram users, many apparently from local schools, were quick to
join in. The alleged clown received multiple requests for a visit, including to
Design Tech, Sequoia, Serra, Woodside, Summit Preparatory, Saint Francis and
Burlingame high schools. Other responses included threats to harm the clown,
including one Instagram poster alleging he had guns and would hurt the
anonymous poster at Burlingame High School. Kiely and Von Glahn said the
departments school resource officers were working closely to monitor campuses,
increase high visibility patrols and would quickly investigate any credible reports
of weapons or a suspicious person. They suggested students were likely incited
by the hype to also make unfounded claims.
School district officials reassured parents they were taking the situation
seriously, and in close contact with law enforcement.
The [San Mateo Union High School District] will remain vigilant in ensuring the
safety of our students and staff, district spokeswoman Sheri Costa wrote in an
email to the Daily Journal. We ask that our families and students let our schools
and police departments know of any unusual social media postings so that we all
err on the side of caution.
Officials also sought assistance from parents in discouraging kids from
propagating the crazy creepy clown sensation.
The media has discussed the Clown Threats to schools as both a hoax and a
concern, Maggie MacIsaac, Burlingame Elementary School District

superintendent, wrote in a letter to parents. What is most difficult about this

latest media craze is that it plays on fears that have become all too real because
of recent violent acts at school sites. Please speak with your children about the
inappropriate use of social media. What some may think is humorous and
recognize as not real, others worry about with good reason.
Incidents have occurred throughout the country on various school campuses.
Police also warned that those found making credible threats could face more
serious felony charges under a new law passed this year in response to the 2012
Sandy Hook massacre, according to the Associated Press. Those found guilty of
intending to cause the evacuation of a school or school grounds with a threat can
face up to 10 years in prison, according to the Associated Press.
samantha@smdailyjournal.com
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