Halloween is upon us, but some people have begun their trick-or-treating early, much to the dismay of law enforcement and school officials.
Across metro Atlanta reports of "creepy clown" sightings have occurred in cities from Dunwoody to Peachtree City.
We're not alone though. This latest trend has become a national fixation with tricksters dressing as clowns and scaring people. The "clowns" then share their antics on popular social media outlets. Some folks have gone as far as making death threats on those platforms leading to school closings, warnings and police action.
So, where did it all begin? Reports indicate that the "creepy clown" sightings originated in North Carolina and South Carolina in late August. In some cases, children were being lured into woods by these clowns, who had become so brazen as to also begin knocking on doors.
The threat, like many across the country, resulted in a false alarm. So far, over a dozen arrests have been made nationwide due to the "creepy clown" sightings.
So what's the situation in metro Atlanta? Here's where the "creepy clowns" have been sighted. You've been warned!
Campbell High School was caught in a frenzy last week when some students posted on social media "creepy clown" memes. The postings resulted in erroneous reports of a school-wide lock down -- however an actual "soft" lock down trickled to Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs.
Though they never showed at Bennett's Mill Middle School, officials at the Fayetteville school reported threats of clown appearances mentioned on social media.
In Peachtree City, officials issued stern warnings to residents not to dress up as clowns.
Fulton County Schools caught wind last week of "creepy clown" threats made on social media. The threats included remarks about potential attacks against students, according to school officials. This prompted letters to parents and the school system's police are now investigating the threats.
Atlanta Public Schools also had a brush with the "creepy clowns." Superintendent Meria Carstarphen told parents, however, threats made to the school district could not be confirmed.
In Dunwoody, authorities took to social media to warn residents and "creepy clown" pranksters they could face dire consequences including arrest.
La Grange police were on alert after getting calls from the public about "clowns in a van and in wooded areas trying to talk to children." Authorities said the "creepy clown" behavior "is not cute or funny," and that criminal charges could follow for anyone trying to scare others.
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