Officials: No confirmed clown sightings in Jackson, Madison County

JACKSON, Tenn. — In a story we first brought you this weekend, state troopers are standing by their decision to warn Tennesseans about possibly dangerous clown sightings.

While they admit an error was made when they incorrectly identified a clown sighting in Jackson, troopers say this is still a matter of public safety.

Several viewers reached out to WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News with concerns about the possible clown sightings.

No creepy clown sightings have been confirmed in Jackson or Madison County.

Officials said that doesn’t mean residents shouldn’t still be alert. “We must make the public aware of any possible danger that could be lurking,” said Lt. Bill Miller with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “It’s a phenomenon that is taking place across the state.”

In most reported cases from across the country, clowns have been spotted hanging around wooded areas and apartment complexes.

In the warning posted Saturday by state troopers, they advised the clowns may be looking for an easy target to hurt.

Residents that spoke with WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News say the hysteria currently surrounding clowns is hurting some performers.

“In the past, I always looked at it as entertainment for children,” Shelia McClinton said.

Roger Fowler agrees. “The real clowns out there are trying to make everybody laugh and crack up. That’s their whole thing.”

Troopers say parents need to keep an eye on children and warn them about stranger dangers.

In the original warning sent out Saturday, troopers used a photo of the performance duo Plymouth Clowns. The image incorrectly identified them as being in Jackson and has since been removed.

The Plymouth Clowns posted a message via Facebook to those hiding behind the mask with ill intentions, saying they do not support what the other clowns are doing.