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MCSO searching for three suspects who threatened teens with bats while wearing clown masks Friday

Posted at 11:47 AM, Oct 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-09 15:58:50-04

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is looking for three people who allegedly chased a group of 13-year-old kids with baseball bats while wearing clown masks Friday night.

The incident happened around 9 p.m. at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills.

MCSO says they believe the two men and a woman have also possibly been seen at Fountain Park and at Golden Eagle Park wearing clown masks.

“It’s one thing to dress up as a clown on Halloween and go door-to-door and get candy, but to actually go out and try to scare people and use weapons, the consequences could be disastrous,” said Det. Doug Matteson with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

The three were wearing black hoodies and sweat pants during at least one of the incidents. One of the three were also wearing leggings with long dyed or sprayed blue hair.

The teenage victims were walking through the park when the people dressed as clowns jumped a fence and chased them. 

“One was carrying a baseball bat, which is a deadly weapon. And in this case, assaulting someone or attempting to assault is a crime,” Matteson said. 

MCSO believes the suspects may have left the scene Friday night in a newer red Jeep Cherokee at a high rate of speed.

As part of a release, MCSO emphasized that these incidents would be taken very seriously by law enforcement:Their intent is unknown but it was enough to terrify the teens and get law enforcement looking for them. People at the park on Saturday were glad law enforcement is getting the word out.

“I’m terrified of clowns, and I don’t need people chasing me or my kids around the neighborhood. It’s ridiculous,” said Alexis McWilliams, a park visitor. 

“These acts of intimidation and threatening others with a deadly weapon could lead to a dangerous road in the end. These suspects and others choosing to participate in this type of prank are potentially facing felony disorderly conduct with a weapon charges and bring terror to the community.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Maricopa Sheriff’s Office at 602-876-1011.