Maryland Students Arrested For Clown Threats

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Students in at least two Maryland communities have been arrested for making clown-themed threats as similar incidents continue to occur throughout the U.S.

On Tuesday, the Washington County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of a 16-year-old Westminster girl who they say said posted threats against Williamsport High School, Springfield Middle School, North Hagerstown High School and South Hagerstown High School on social media from a clown profile.

She has been charged her with online harassment, disturbing school operations and threat of mass violence.

Also Tuesday, Prince George's County Police announced the arrest of a second student, an 8th grader at Kenmoor Middle School in Landover, in an online threats investigation there.

He's charged with threat of mass violence.

A Parkdale High School student had already been arrested and charged with threat of mass violence on Monday, after investigators say he set up a clown-themed Twitter account in class and made threats.

Incidents like these have been on the rise since multiple reports of people dressed as clowns lurking in the woods of South Carolina communities first surfaced in August.

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