A Florida sheriff’s office has issued a warning to “creepy clowns” after a young boy was nearly attacked by someone wearing a red foam nose and rainbow-painted face.
The 11-year-old boy was approached by the suspicious clown while riding his bike north along Howland Boulevard on Oct. 16. According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the clown jumped at the boy from behind some bushes and attempted to grab him. No physical contact was made, but the victim was afraid the clown would hurt him, the department said.
In an act of self-defence, the boy grabbed a metal selfie stick and hit the clown several times. The clown retreated back into the bushes after being struck.
The boy notified the school crossing guard and teachers about what happened. An officer surveyed the area and checked the surrounding bushes, but did not find the clown.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office issued the following warning:
“Warning to evil clowns and anyone considering creepy clown activity: We will not be there to save you if your intended target defends himself or herself, and you may face other penalties as well.”
The act of dressing up as a clown and encroaching upon unsuspecting victims is a sinister trend that made headlines last year. In Florida, sightings were reported in Ocala, Palm Beach, Gainesville, Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, and several other Florida cities.
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The clown was reported wearing a green long-sleeved shirt, black pants and black boots.
