The Snohomish County Sheriff’s
Office has issued the following statement on its Facebook page regarding
clowns:
“A statement about clowns: The
Sheriff’s Office has no evidence of a credible threat to public safety in
regards to the recent reports of “clown sightings” in Snohomish County. Unless
there is evidence of a potential crime, Sheriff’s Office deputies and our
partner city police officers will not respond to clown sightings reported to
911.
“This is another example of
the media's irresponsible approach to dealing with an issue and fueling
panic," said Sheriff Ty Trenary.
We offer the following advice
to those who are concerned or have questions about this latest internet hoax:
1. Anytime you witness someone
committing an actual crime (trespass, harassment, car prowl, etc.), whether
they are dressed as a clown or a pirate or a regular citizen, you should call
911.
2. Making a threat towards
individuals or communities (e.g. a school) – whether via a social media post,
text message or other form of communication – is a crime and will be
investigated as such.
3. Walking around in public in
a clown costume is not a crime.
4. Acting or looking
suspicious is also not a crime *unless the suspect displays threatening or
criminal behavior* (see #1 and #2).
5. Making false reports to law
enforcement is a crime.”
Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:
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