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Teen claims responsibility for clown sighting

Posted at 12:21 AM, Sep 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-29 15:57:53-04

Police in North Tonawanda are looking for the person responsible for causing multiple reports of clown sightings in the area of Meadow Drive and Erie Avenue.

Officers report they received multiple calls regarding someone dressed up as a clown in that area. Patrol officers are now looking for the person. It is unclear whether that person could face charges, but police tell 7 Eyewitness News that person would receive a "talking to."

7 Eyewitness News has uncovered videos on Facebook of three people claiming to be responsible. Shane Whipple says he and two friends were recording a video for Whipple's YouTube channel. Whipple says they were attempting to make fun of the clown sightings happening across the country.

One of the men behind the prank has reached out to 7 Eyewitness News to apologize.

Police have responded with a statement, which says in full: 

In regards to the "clown" incident last night, we thank the citizens that called in and normally as a policy we do not comment on incidents like this. One of the youths involved came to the station and spoke with the shift supervisor. They didn't realize what their actions caused within the community. There was no criminal intent on their part.