Kimberly Redmond

The Journal News

The creepy-clown phenomenon has crept into Rockland County and authorities are investigating whether threats posted online are legitimate or copying what has become a bizarre national trend.

Two social media postings threatening violence toward students and teachers on Friday at several high schools in Rockland County are currently under investigation by police, according to a letter released late Thursday afternoon by Nyack Schools Superintendent James Montesano.

Authorities believe the threat is not credible "and possibly linked to the national 'craze' surrounding clown sightings," but law enforcement across the county plans to step up patrols around schools Friday, Montesano said.

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One of the posts stated that clowns "will be at the high schools this Friday to either kidnap students or kill teachers going to their cars," Montesano said. A subsequent posting named Spring Valley, Ramapo, North Rockland, Nyackand Nanuet high schools as the targets, he said.

Officials learned of the posts from a Nanuet student, who spotted it on Instagram and notified the district's school resource officer, according to Nanuet Schools Superintendent Mark McNeill.

"I realize that this threat is concerning to the entire community. However, our schools are safe — we have a school resource officer, cameras and security staff on site. Schools will be open tomorrow," he said.

Earlier this week, creepy clown threats were made against nearly two dozen schools in Westchester County, including several in Yonkers and Mount Vernon. It follows an incident in Newburgh, where a person dressing as a clown, holding what authorities later determined was a BB gun, surfaced on social media.

Across the country, many of the clown sightings reported have been found to be hoaxes or pranks, but in a few cases it has escalated to the level of harassment.

Early Wednesday morning, just over the border, in Bergen County, New Jersey, a pickup truck filled with teenagers, some wearing frightening clown masks, followed and taunted a female driver for 20 miles, The Record of North Jersey reported.

Although there haven't been any reported sightings or threats at Rockland BOCES, the school's Chief Operating Officer Mary Jean Marsico offered a few safety tips for parents in light of the clown craze, particularly reminding children about how to recognize suspicious behavior and how to report it.

Marsico also urged parents not to forward rumors on social media. What Marsico described as "an internet fad" and "social media craze" has prompted rumors "regarding the possibility of threatening violence at schools," which can have an affect on children's psyche.

"It is possible that the incessant rumors or, in some instances, confirmed reports of 'crazy clown sightings' may cause anxiety, fear, anger or some other emotion with students," she said.

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