The creepy clown craze has arrived in Winnipeg as police arrested two teenagers who allegedly dressed up as clowns and chased people in the Valley Gardens area Saturday night.
Officers were called to 200 block of Antrim Road around 8 p.m. for a report of a suspicious incident.
Witnesses reported two suspects dressed as clowns, one of whom was possibly armed, chasing people, police said.
Officers found two 17-year-old boys in the 700 Kimberley Avenue, along with masks and a large flashlight. Police believe the flashlight was perceived as a weapon. Police said one of the boys was wearing a skeleton-type mask with purple hair.
Both teens were taken into custody but neither were charged.
Although police considered laying weapon and mischief charges, police ultimately let them go with a warning because victims didn’t want to pursue charges.
The victims were a 15-year-old and 16-year-old girl along with a 16-year-old boy.
Const. Jason Michalyshen said the suspects are very fortunate. He said the clown chasing this weekend caused safety concerns and wants the Halloween season to be safe and happy.
"If there is a moment of chuckling and thinking this is good humour and I can tell you, from police perspective it's not," said Const. Jason Michalyshen.
Although dressing up as a clown is not illegal, police said charges could be laid if there is evidence of mischief, threats, assault or harassment. They also said that although most clown incidents appear to be pranks, anyone who feels concerned for their safety should call police immediately.
On Sunday, just a few streets over from the clown sightings in Valley Gardens, people were talking about the incident in the stands at a football game.
"These killer clowns coming around and scaring people, it's kind of terrifying to think about," said 14-year- old Emma Pashniak.
"I've seen videos of clowns chasing people with knives. I've seen people with guns chasing clowns. The constant back and forth has made it a ridiculous situation," said 17-year-old Liam Stroud.
In St. James, Halloween Alley owner Jodie Taylor said she is sad to see the creepy clown trend come to Winnipeg.
Taylor said the trend hasn't scared off customers buying clown costumes, and her store never intends to sell a costume to be used in a controversial way.
"Especially with clowns being such a positive force in our community such as Ronald McDonald and charities,” said Taylor. “Clowns go to the hospital to cheer kids up."
- With files from Beth Macdonell
