'Creepy clown' craze extends to Indian River County

4 clown sightings reported to Indian River County Sheriff's Office

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. – The "creepy clown" reports have extended into Indian River County, according to the sheriff's office.

Four clown sightings were reported in Indian River County this week.

Deputies said they received the first call of a "creepy clown" on Wednesday just before 8 p.m.

A woman said she was walking her dog when she saw a person wearing a clown costume come from behind a tree 25 yards away, according to a release.

On Thursday, deputies said they were called by a father who said his child was chased by a person wearing a clown mask while getting off the school bus.

In another case on Thursday afternoon, deputies were called the Florida Ridge area to a report of a person wearing a clown mask and grey hooded sweatshirt. When deputies arrived, they said they found 12-year-old boy chasing his 11-year-old old sister while wearing a clown mask.  Deputies said a picture of the boy in the mask has been posted on social media, and the parents of the children were notified.

In the fourth incident, a child reported seeing a clown on Oslo Road before fleeing and losing sight of the clown, according to deputies.

"We are aware that these 'Creepy Clown' sightings have been reported in several states over the past couple weeks. At this time we ask residents of Indian River County to talk to your children about personal safety," Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar said in a release. "Teenagers and young adults who may be perpetrating these incidents should be aware of the dangers associated with activity such as this."

Call 911 if you see any suspicious activity.