Confirmation candidate 13-year-old fends off creepy clown in Bad Honnef
BAD HONNEF · A teenager used a hammer to defend himself against a creepy clown in Bad Honnef. Police warn that horror clowns will face punishment.
A person dressed as a creepy clown had an unwelcome surprise after attempting to frighten a 13-year-old youth. The young teen pulled out a hammer and pounded the horror clown numerous times on his back. On his way home from religious Confirmation classes, the teen happened to have a hammer with him which he needed for a re-enactment in his class. It had to do with Martin Luther posting the 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg on October 31 of 1517. The teen had his hammer to make the re-enacting of the scene look as real as possible.
Reporting the incident to police later, the youth said he was so scared that he simply reacted without thinking about it. The clown fled and the youth ran towards his home. His parents called the police immediately. Police said on Wednesday that they had no doubt about what the youth had told them.
The horror clown was not only wearing a mask but a body suit with a striped pattern. He was around 1.75 to 1.8 meters tall with short brown hair and a dark rather grown-up voice. Police have not received any other information about the suspect. Any witnesses or persons having information are asked to contact police at (0228) 1 50.
In the past weeks, incidents with the horror clowns have increased. On Wednesday, already 370 incidents had been reported nationwide, at least 190 of them in North Rhine Westphalia (NRW). Police want to put a stop to it and have said that people wearing those costumes and scaring other people will face punishment. Each case will be tried on its own and there could be legal consequences or financial damages claimed for pain and suffering.
Persons who encounter a creepy clown should not take justice into their own hands. “Whether it is a situation requiring self-defense always depends on the circumstances of the individual case and is subject to judicial review in cases of doubt.” In a threatening situation, police should always be contacted.
(Orig. text: Alexander Hertel and Katrin Janßen)
