Clowns back out of parade amid rash of creepy clown reports

OAKLAND, Md. — A group of clowns in Maryland has decided not to take part in a parade amid a recent rash of creepy clown sightings across several states.

Tom Holland, a member of the Ali Ghan Shrine Club’s clown unit, tells the Cumberland Times-News (http://bit.ly/2dxztq7) the group won’t be participating in a scheduled parade in Hagerstown.

Holland says the group is also considering whether to take part in an upcoming Cumberland parade.

Since August, people in states including South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, among others, have reported scary or suspicious encounters with people dressed like clowns, spreading fear through several communities.