Police: Clown post threatening Brown Co. schools was hoax

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Green Bay police say a 13-year-old is suspected of making a social media post with a clown photo threatening schools in Brown County.

Police say officers are interviewing the teenager to understand motive and intent. But police say the threat was a hoax, and charges will be referred to juvenile authorities.

WLUK-TV (http://bit.ly/2dfp1VR) reports police stepped up their presence outside several schools Monday morning.

The post was shared more than 400 times Sunday. Police say they found no specific threat, but precautions were being taken "to ensure the safety of students, staff and families."

The incident came amid a rash of hoaxes and threats of scary clown sightings across the country.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Authorities are investigating a social media post with a clown photo threatening to target 10 Brown County schools.

WLUK-TV reports the post was shared more than 400 times Sunday. Green Bay police say the found no specific threat and they believe the post is a hoax, but precautions are being taken "to ensure the safety of students, staff and families."

Capt. Jeremy Muraski says more officers will be patrolling around schools Monday.

Green Bay police sent a statement to parents about the incident, as did the De Pere and West De Pere unified school district. Officials with that district said they are working with police "to take coordinated action" as a precaution.

The incident came amid a rash of hoaxes and threats of scary clown sightings across the country.