A police department in Montgomery County is cracking down on creepy roadside clowns.
Mount Sterling Police want people to know that using costumes to scare drivers is illegal.
The department posted to Facebook Thursday night, commenting on the calls officers have been getting:
“We have received reports of people dressing up like clowns tonight. We have also initiated traffic stops on some of the people doing this. People are saying they are doing this for fun. First of all, it is not fun for the victim. Second of all, it is a city ordinance violation to have your face covered with any type of mask other than during Halloween. Edit: There are religious exemptions and the original post did not state this. Finally, there is a possibility that you could be cited or arrested for disorderly conduct. Please use common sense in this matter.#MSPD”
http://liarcatchers.com/contact.php
The post made its way around town and many people we spoke to said they never knew it was illegal. They’re glad police are cracking down.
“I think that they should get over it quick because they don’t realize what they’re doing to other people,” said Tony Steele, when commenting on the clowns.
Other departments around the Commonwealth are fed up with the trend too.
On Thursday, an officer in Bell County arrested a young man for standing in costume on the side of the road. Days before that, the jailer in Laurel County spotted two clowns and took their masks.
“There are actual dangers out there and you shouldn’t have to worry about people dressing like clowns as one of them.,” said Tristan Phillips, a resident of Mount Sterling.
Much like police, those spotting the clowns aren’t laughing either.
