Alleged ax-wielding clown turns himself in
HICKORY, N.C. - A western North Carolina man has surrendered to police after being accused of swinging an ax at a woman while wearing a clown mask and multicolored wig.
Multiple media outlets report that 28-year-old Jimmy D. Raybon of Connelly Springs turned himself in without incident Wednesday afternoon. Also known as Robert Gross, Raybon was arrested on outstanding warrants of assault with a deadly weapon and breaking and entering.
Authorities say Raybon confronted a 31-year-old woman at her house in Hickory early in the morning on Aug. 7 and tried to hit her with an ax. The woman escaped unharmed, and was able to partially lift the mask. Police say she recognized the man as an acquaintance.
It was not immediately clear if Raybon has an attorney.
The Charlotte Observer reports Raybon has a lengthy criminal record and has served time in prison for false imprisonment, assault and robbery.