For those of you wondering if the “clown phenomena” that has invaded all parts of the country had come to Bridgeport, the answer was revealed today. According to the Bridgeport Police Department, the answer is yes.

 

Lt. Doug Betler confirmed that along with a report Tuesday in the city limits, there have been at least one and possibly two additional reports of individuals in neighborhoods dressing up as clowns. Betler said that even though some people find the issue as a game or something harmless, due to some incidents nationally that have turned out not to be innocent.

 

“In most cases it could be harmless, but we’re not taking any chances. We’re wanting the public to know that we’re going to enforce the law and there will be no exceptions or slaps on the wrist,” said Betler.

 

Bridgeport’s latest sighting of a clown took place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Betler said it was in the area of Oakwood Circle and Sherwood Road.

 

“The call was dispatched as a suspicious person,” said Belter. “We responded and there was no contact made. In the details that followed it was an individual dressed up with a clown and was said to have a child with them and a chainsaw.”

 

Betler provided Connect-Bridgeport with a photo taken of the clown. As previously mentioned, the individual in question was not located after arrival of law enforcement.

 

“We simply don’t want this in our jurisdiction,” said Belter. “We’ll be enforcing state law on this.”

 

There is an actual portion of the state code (61-6-22) that spells out that this type of behavior – in a non-Halloween, work-related or other specifically designated setting – is illegal. The code reads that “as otherwise provided in this section, no person, whether, in a motor vehicle or otherwise, while wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer.”

 

The code also spells out the punishment, which is a misdemeanor. The punishment includes a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment in jail of not more than a year, or both.

 

“We don’t want to see copycats of this so if we see you and catch you, we’ll take action as allowed by the law,” said Betler.

 

Where it actually began isn’t completely clear, but several media outlets say the initial spotting of the clowns – usually in later hours – was in South Carolina. In Tennessee earlier this month, there was a report of a clown with a knife that allegedly approached a person from behind and slashed their wrist. That investigation is also ongoing.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is of the clown spotted Tuesday courtesy of the Bridgeport Police Department. Bottom photo is of Lt. Doug Betler who offered a warning for those who may consider doing this in the future.