RACELAND, La. (WGNO) – Two high school students in Raceland were arrested today (Oct. 4) after reportedly riding around Central Lafourche High School and wearing a clown mask.
The two students, both 17, were arrested for violating a state law that prohibits the wearing of a mask in public outside of certain holidays.
“Last week we issued a stern warning that this ‘creepy clown’ activity would not be tolerated and violators would be charged,” said Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre. “With rumors running rampant throughout the country, these individuals are deciding to exploit public fears for some sort of personal enjoyment, and that is simply despicable. We hope these two students serve as a lesson to others that this type of behavior will result in criminal charges.”
Students reported the incident to the school resource officer at Central Lafourche High School. Through investigation, officers learned both teens had each worn the mask at one point.
They also found one of the teens had posted a photo on Snapchat Tuesday morning of one of the two wearing the mask while riding in Defelice’s truck.
The two were booked with one count each of wearing a mask in public.
LPSO investigators are aware of several social media accounts purportedly opened by people posing as clowns with masks that appear sinister or menacing in nature.
Other states have reported threats made regarding schools made by “creepy clowns” on social media, but there has been no such threat in Lafourche Parish.
“Clown or not, anyone making threats of violence to others in any form, including social media, will be investigated,” said Webre. “We have a great track record of working with social media outlets to identify perpetrators, even when they open an account under anonymity. The bottom line is, we will find you, and you will be charged. We will not tolerate anyone terrorizing our community and especially our schools.”