Year in Review: Creepy Clown Sightings

This was the first year of Hudson Valley Post and we'd like to thank all of you for continuing to "follow the conversation" here at Hudson Valley Post.

It's been an interesting year in the local area, full of tragic murders, presidential hopefuls, fires, crashes and tales to warm the heart. Here are the stories we felt had the most impact on the Hudson Valley in 2016.

 
Creepy Clown Sightings
 

Before Halloween there were reports of creepy clown sightings in the Carolinas. Soon, crazy-looking clowns were spotted across the United States. Naturally, it didn't take long for the Hudson Valley to join in.

It all began on a bridge in Newburgh. A clown was photographed holding what appeared to a be a rifle on top of a bridge at the Newburgh/New Windsor border. New Windsor police confirmed the photo was legit and they investigated.

Soon there were copycat threats locally on social media.

A Facebook page belonging to “Kluster Thee Klown” claimed there would be violence at Poughkeepsie Middle School. 

The profile picture was photo of a creepy clown. Under the photo “Stabber at Killer,” “Killer at Poughkeepsie Middle School,” and “Studied How to kill people at Vassar College,” were listed.

A 13-year-old boy was soon arrested for allegedly making a terroristic threat. 

Days later, S.S. Seward was placed on lockdown following reports of a clown that was spotted in the woods near the school. 

A teenage girl who attends Arlington and a 23-year-old brother of another Arlington student were accused of making separate clown related threats towards Arlington High School.