October 05, 2016
Police have determined Wednesday that a 12-year-old student allegedly posted clown-related threats against a pair of Bensalem schools on social media.
The student is the fifth child to be charged this week in connection with "clown threats" in the area. The others are a 13-year-old boy from Mays Landing, a 13-year-old girl in Philadelphia and a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy both in Washington Township.
The Bensalem Township Police Department announced that the student, who was not publicly identified due to the suspect's age, will face charges of making a terroristic threat and harassment.
The threat was posted on Instagram with the photo of a clown. The caption read, "BENSALEM CLOWN...We are coming shafer and Snyder Tick Tock." The post also contained emojis of a gun, a needle and a knife.
Shafer and Snyder are references to middle schools in the township.
Investigators said the post led to increased police presence after students and parents became alarmed.
However, police said there was never a viable threat and no one was in danger during the investigation.
Residents will continue to see an increased police presence around Bensalem School District facilities as a precaution.
In addition to the criminal charges approved by the Bucks County District Attorney, the student will also face dicilpine from the school district.
Anyone with further information about the case is asked to contact the Bensalem Township Police Department at (215) 633-3719.
