People dressed as clowns are causing a stir in the southern San Joaquin Valley.

The latest after-dark sighting came Saturday, when police in Bakersfield responded around 8 p.m. to a report of a clown holding a firearm.

Officers searched but didn't find anyone.

The Bakersfield Californian reports (http://bit.ly/1p429VH) that the latest sighting came after a week during which police received numerous calls about scary or mischievous clowns.

According to the newspaper, police said they have arrested one minor who acknowledged dressing up and chasing younger juveniles.