Clown sightings raise concerns among Annandale residents
Remember all those creepy clown sightings that caused mass hysteria across the world a few years ago?
Well, it appears the clowns have returned — to Annandale, Minnesota, at least.
A post from the city's Facebook account on Friday makes it clear there's been a rash of sightings lately:
The message, written by Annandale Chief of Police Pete Standafer, says his department "is aware of this individual and we continue to monitor the situation."
Standafer also addresses what appears to be some confusion about how to properly report incidents involving the clown:
If an actual complaint to the police is not made, it affects our ability appropriately to deal with the situation. This has been, and will continue to be, how we successfully collaborate with our citizens to keep our neighborhoods safe.
"If you have concerns about the 'clown' or any other public safety matter please as always do not hesitate to reach out to us directly," Standafer writes. "We welcome the opportunity to assist you in these matters."
The city's Facebook followers have their own theories for what's going on, with a few saying it's just a "young kid" simply goofing around.
At least two commenters say they spotted the alleged clown riding a scooter around town, but both added that he didn't appear to be breaking any laws.
BringMeTheNews has reached out to Annandale police for more information about what callers are telling them.
The clown hysteria of 2016 — spurred by a wave of pranksters — is gone but not forgotten. It got so intense that McDonald's even sidelined Ronald McDonald (you know, a clown) for a while, while actual clowns suffered economic repercussions because of the craze.
And the hysteria made a small resurgence in 2020 (naturally), with a number of TikTok videos showing supposed killer clowns doing, well, super creepy things out in public.
You can check out a compilation of said TikTok videos below, if you dare (beware some adult language, though):
