Lompoc Police, residents talk about clown craze

“I think it’s tis’ the season to be afraid of something and this year it’s clowns,” says Shannon Marrs about the recent clown craze sweeping the country.

People in various states have been seen dressed up as clowns and trying to scare people.

Recent social media posts have suggested that clowns have been spotted in Lompoc.

“There have been no reports of any incidents involving clowns within the city limits of Lompoc,” says Sgt. Kevin Martin, with the Lompoc Police Department.

One social media post says clowns have been seen by the Burger King on H Street. Another says some have been seen by The Grocery Outlet, something a manager we spoke to says is not true.

Marrs says regardless of the social media chatter it is not stopping her from going about her usual routine.

“I don’t think theres anything to it, I think it’s people wanting to sensationalize everything,” she says.

“It’s not something anyone should overreact to,” says Sgt. Martin.

Christina Arredondo says the craze has caused concern for her and her daughter.

“She was kind of scared when it first started,” she says.

She says with Halloween so close it’s making her family take extra steps to make sure they are safe.

“We are concerned, normally we leave our area to go trick or treating but I think this year we are staying in the area because we know everybody,” she says.

With no credible sightings or threats, the Lompoc Police Department says when things like this happen they take away from the resources they would use for real emergencies.

“Anything that is not a legit call for help takes away from the resources of that any law enforcement has to help someone in need,” says Sgt. Martin