WASCO, CA - What started as a photography project in Wasco has now captivated social media and numerous news outlets throughout the country.
As several clown photos appeared online in early October, Bakersfield police say the true story has been overshadowed by social media pranks and attention-seekers, leaving many people to think dangerous clowns are roaming the streets.
"There's just no validity to it. It is simply not accurate," said Bakersfield Police Seargent Joe Grubbs. "We're not having any reports of assaults or anything like that happen. It's been blown wildly out of proportion."
Police say they have received more than a dozen calls from residents about scary clowns in Kern County, but so far only one arrest has occurred: a juvenile dressed as a clown was arrested for chasing other juveniles.
Grubbs said the clown story has been fabricated in many ways, with some people calling them killer clowns who wander Bakersfield. He said he believes the story is being miscommunicated through social media.
Across the country, photos shared on those social media sites are going viral, with many people thinking clowns are invading Bakersfield and Wasco.
Bakersfield police say it's important to remember the original photos were part of a project. The department says thus far they have received 20 phonecalls about clowns.
"It's okay, calm down," Grubbs said. "Assure your kids there's no dangerous clowns out there that are terrorizing the community."
As several clown photos appeared online in early October, Bakersfield police say the true story has been overshadowed by social media pranks and attention-seekers, leaving many people to think dangerous clowns are roaming the streets.
"There's just no validity to it. It is simply not accurate," said Bakersfield Police Seargent Joe Grubbs. "We're not having any reports of assaults or anything like that happen. It's been blown wildly out of proportion."
Police say they have received more than a dozen calls from residents about scary clowns in Kern County, but so far only one arrest has occurred: a juvenile dressed as a clown was arrested for chasing other juveniles.
Grubbs said the clown story has been fabricated in many ways, with some people calling them killer clowns who wander Bakersfield. He said he believes the story is being miscommunicated through social media.
Across the country, photos shared on those social media sites are going viral, with many people thinking clowns are invading Bakersfield and Wasco.
Bakersfield police say it's important to remember the original photos were part of a project. The department says thus far they have received 20 phonecalls about clowns.
"It's okay, calm down," Grubbs said. "Assure your kids there's no dangerous clowns out there that are terrorizing the community."
