Police investigating shooting, suspect possibly wearing clown mask
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of a shooting by a cross-dressing man who one witness described as wearing a clown mask.
At 10 a.m. Wednesday, deputies were called to Laney Walker Boulevard at Twiggs Street for shots fired.
One caller reported to police the shooter was wearing a clown mask. Upon arrival at the scene, other witnesses described the shooter as a black man with dreadlocks who was dressed as a woman, wearing a long, white jacket and carrying a purse and wig. He left the area running toward M and M Scott on Spruce Street.
Richmond County sheriff’s Lt. Allan Rollins said only one person described the shooter as wearing a clown mask.
He said investigators believe the description could be a prank that stems from recent clown sightings, which have received national media attention and scaring parents and police in at least three states.
At least one person has come forward claiming to have been shot at during the incident this morning. Another person is being interviewed in the case but charges have not been filed.
Rollins warned that anyone who files a false report or gives a false description can face criminal charges.
On social media today, a photo of a person dressed as a clown walking near a fence at night was circulating with a warning that it was seen in the Old Waynesboro Road area. Rollins said the department is aware of the photo but is unsure if the claims are true.
“It’s popping up and people are talking about it (clown sightings),” Rollins said of the recent attention. “It’s getting out of control and it could be dangerous.”
On Tuesday, the McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office put out its own warning about clown sightings. An official said the department received a call Sunday about a clown being spotted near Highway 221. On Tuesday, a caller reported a clown had chased children from a school bus area around Davis Circle.
Recently, residents in North Carolina and South Carolina claim clowns were attempting to lure children into the woods with promises or treats and candy.
In the state of Georgia, it is illegal to wear a mask, hood or other item that conceals a person’s identity while on public or private property without the owner’s permission.
