INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Multiple people have called 911 about sightings of a “creepy clown.”
On Wednesday at 7:43 p.m., the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office received the first call of a “Creepy Clown” similar to reports nationwide, according to a press release. A 9-1-1 call was received from a female reporting that while she was walking her dog, she observed a person wearing a clown costume emerge from behind a tree that was approximately 25 yards away.
The female fled back into her residence and lost sight of the clown. On Thursday, September 29 at 5:25 p.m., the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the father of a child who advised that when the child and other children departed their school bus, they were chased by a person wearing a clown mask, according to authorities.
Both of these incidents occurred in the Vero Lake Estates area, according to the Sheriff’s Office. On Sept. 29 at approximately 5:10 p.m., a call of a person wearing a clown mask and grey hooded sweatshirt was received. Deputies responded to the area of Florida Ridge and located a twelve year old boy chasing his eleven year old sister while wearing a clown mask.
A photograph of the boy in the clown mask has been circulated on social media. The children were counseled on their behavior and the parents were notified of the incident, according to the release. Also on Sept. 29 at approximately 7:39 p.m. a call was received about a child and a friend who reportedly saw a clown on Oslo Road and who fled on their bikes and lost sight of the clown.
“We are aware that these ‘Creepy Clown’ sightings have been reported in several states over the past couple weeks,” said Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar stated. “At this time we ask residents of Indian River County to talk to your children about personal safety. Teenagers and young adults who may be perpetrating these incidents should be aware of the dangers associated with activity such as this.”
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office takes these reported “Creepy Clown” situations very seriously. Please call 9-1-1 immediately if you see any suspicious activity.