Arlington Heights police investigate ‘creepy clown’ sightings

clownmasks110516.jpg

Target has removed some clown masks amid the creepy clown furor. | Getty Images

Police in northwest suburban Arlington Heights are investigating a series of “creepy clown” sightings that happened last week amid a national wave of sightings and threats — largely unfounded — that has swept into the Chicago area.

Police did not specify the times of the sightings, but calls of people in clown masks were reported in the 1500 block of West Vine Street and at Westgate Park, 211 N. Reuter Drive, according to Arlington Heights police.

Someone else claimed to see a bicyclist wearing a clown mask at Northwest Highway and Dunton Avenue, and another claimed a male in a white jumpsuit — though not definitively a clown — was seen going into the woods at Carefree Park, 1231 S. Belmont Ave., police said.

Officers didn’t find anyone or anyone suspicious in responding to the calls, police said.

The clown craze has prompted warnings from police and school officials in Chicago and numerous suburbs.

The Latest
Taking away guns from people served with domestic violence orders of protection would be a lot of work. “There aren’t enough sworn officers to carry out what’s being asked here,” Pritzker said.
Previously struggling to keep its doors open, the Buena Park establishment received a boost from the popular TikToker.
Bagent also said the negative publicity about teammate Caleb Williams leading to the draft has turned out to be “completely false.”
Deputy Sean Grayson has been fired and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Massey, who had called 911 to report a possible prowler. He has pleaded not guilty. The family says the Department of Justice is investigating.
Here’s how Kamala Harris and the Democratic National Convention are embracing Charli XCX’s social media post that sparked a cultural movement.