N.C. police warn against 'copycat' clowns as sightings increase

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Police are warning against copycat behavior after a third clown sighting was reported near a wooded area in Greensboro.

Greensboro Police Department says someone called 911 after seeing a clown near the woods by The Park at Old Oak Ridge Road apartment complex around 10 a.m.

Police say the caller reported a person wearing a scary clown mask, a red curly wig, a yellow dotted shirt, blue clown pants, and clown shoes. Police say another man chased after the clown with a machete, and the clown ran back into the woods and out of sight.

Officers searched the area, but didn't find the clown. Police say they encourage people to report suspicious behavior, but say you shouldn't confront someone who may be acting in an unusual manner.

Police say although it isn't against the law to dress as a clown, officials are discouraging this "copycat" behavior that has parents on edge.

The clown sighting in Greensboro comes after reports of clowns trying to lure children into woods in Winston-Salem and Greenville, S.C.

Police encourage parents to use this incident to talk to their children about strangers and how to avoid dangerous situations. Parents should tell their kids to never go anywhere with a stranger, even if it sounds like fun.

Police say children should run away and scream if someone follows them or tries to lure them to another area.