South Carolina Clown Sightings Expanding: Two New Reports Of Creepy Clown Trying To Lure Children Into The Woods Emerge, Sightings Now Extend To North Carolina

The creepy clown sightings plaguing South Carolina are now expanding, with new reports that someone in North Carolina is now dressing in a clown costume and trying to lure kids into the forest.

Police in South Carolina announced last week that there had been a rash of clown sightings in the Greenville and Spartanburg counties, WHNS reported. In Spartanburg, police were called to an apartment complex after a woman reported that a person dressed up like a clown was standing in her backyard. She even snapped a picture on her cell phone, but police said it was too dark to make out exactly what was in the picture.

Greenville police said people had reported seeing a clown in wooded areas, reportedly trying to coax kids into the forest. There were even reports that some clowns had knocked on the doors of local residents.

It drew a strong response from police.

“The clowning around needs to stop,” said Ken Miller, the Greenville police chief, via CBS News. “It’s illegal, it’s dangerous, it’s inappropriate, it’s creating community concern.”

Fleetwood Manor Apartments, the complex where the sightings took place, even sent a letter to residents warning them about the clowns. My Fox 8 obtained a copy of the letter.

“There has [sic] been several conversation [sic] and a lot of complaints to the office regarding a clown or a person dressed in clown clothing taking children or trying to lure children in the woods. First and foremost at Fleetwood Manor Apartments childrens [sic] safety is a top priority. At no time should a child be alone at night, or walking in the roads or wooded areas at night. Also if a person or persons are seen you are to immediately call the police.”

But the clown sightings are now extending beyond South Carolina, with a report from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that a person in a clown costume was seen trying to lure children into a forest on Sunday night.

The suspect allegedly had white overalls, white gloves, red shoes, a red nose, and red bushy hair, Fox News reported. The suspect was seen by two children, but fled when police arrived.

Another sighting took place hours later, two miles from the first sightings. Police officers were not able to locate the suspect the second time, Fox News reported.

Disturbing clown sightings continue, spread to Winston-Salem https://t.co/OeYM8pYyhg #LiveOnWLOS

— WLOS (@WLOS_13) September 6, 2016

Two clown sightings in Winston-Salem in last 12 hours https://t.co/m4h6LUarX9 pic.twitter.com/DSnVXohW8N

— FOX8 WGHP (@myfox8) September 5, 2016

There are several theories as to what is causing the South Carolina clown sightings. There was some initial suggestion that it could just be the imagination of children and a bit of an urban legend spreading rapidly, but in subsequent sightings it has been adults and even police seeing the clowns.

Others believe that the clown sightings could be a twisted attempt at viral marketing.

“I believe there is a chance that it could be a big publicity stunt for someone, a haunted house or some sort of production that will be coming in the next few months,” said Kelly Montfort, owner of Over the Top Entertainment, in an interview with My Fox 8.

Montfort, who works birthday parties as Mr. Twister, said he and other local clown entertainers are afraid that the South Carolina clown sightings could ruin their business.

“I am terrified of that actually,” Montfort said. “I truly hope it’s being made up. I truly hope there is not a psychopath that is going after kids, and if there is, I hope that someone catches them.”

It is also not clear if the clown sightings are the work of one person or if there are several people in on the apparent prank.

Anyone with information about the South Carolina clown sightings, including the recent incidents in North Carolina, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 336-717-2800.

[Photo by Fernando Vergara/AP Images]