For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

*Joint Press Release* Arlington Officials Address Nationwide Clown Threats

ARLINGTON – Police Chief Frederick Ryan and Superintendent Kathleen Bodie report that the Arlington Police Department and Arlington Public Schools are addressing the nationwide scare tactic involving people dressed as clowns who are threatening to harm others.

In August, parents in South Carolina were alarmed after a group of people dressed as clowns were reported as trying to lure children into the woods. Since then, numerous sightings of individuals in clown face paint and outfits, often times wielding weapons or acting suspicious, have been reported throughout the country.

A nationwide threat was made over Twitter targeting schools by a clown-related group earlier this month. Although the threat has passed, the police department is actively monitoring any suspicious related activity in and around Arlington public schools.

While no specific threat to Arlington has emerged as a result of the social media activity, School Resource Officer Stephen Porciello Jr. will continue to maintain a presence at all schools throughout the district.

“As Halloween approaches, we encourage adults and children alike to be conscious of their costume choices this year,” Chief Ryan said. “We encourage any parent or student to report suspicious behavior involving costumed adults immediately and not engage contact with the person.”

“The safety of our students, staff, and parents are our biggest priority,” Superintendent Bodie said. “While no specific threat has targeted the Arlington community, we are actively working with the Arlington Police Department to ensure our campuses are protected.”

###