Neither the School City of Hammond nor the Hammond Police Department are laughing over threats against several schools received over the past few days by a people claiming to be clowns.
Individuals representing themselves as clowns on social media have made threats toward Hammond High, Eggers Middle School, Scott Middle School, Gavit High School and Morton High School, according a release from Lt. Richard Hoyda, Hammond Police spokesman. Parents and others have reported the threats to police.
While no specific threats have been toward particular students or faculty, Hoyda said the department is taking the threats seriously.
“So far, there have been no reports of confirmed clown sightings in the City of Hammond,” Hoyda said in the release. “At this time, the information appears to be solely based on Facebook.”
The school city is also on guard against any made-up marauders, School City Resource Specialist Dave Safstrom said Tuesday. The administration has been patrolling walkways around the schools — particularly the walkway between Hammond High and Eggers — and sent a letter home with students reminding parents of reinforcing safety measures for those students walking home.
More Top Picks Phones
“So far, no clowns have been spotted near any of the schools,” Safstrom said.
Anyone with information about the threatening clowns is asked to contact the Chief’s Office at the Hammond Police Department 219-852-6326.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.