After a spate of stories about scary clowns terrorizing towns around the country, Hollister Police Chief David Westrick took to Facebook on Wednesday with what he termed a public service announcement to those who think "it would be really funny and cool to scare little kids in Hollister by copying these other idiots (yes I said idiots)."
"Don't, just don't," he said. "Please go somewhere else, far away. Hollister parents have no patience for this nonsense. I am a good judge of the character for this community and I have to say, the community would not be pleased with your little gag in anyway at all. You would most likely require law enforcement assistance to get yourself out of a real bind."
Westrick's post, which included an image of a scary clown, noted "The Residents of Hollister, its Police Chief and its Police Department really care about this community's kids. Please understand that before you make a big mistake. If you see any of these Einsteins, let us know immediately so we can prevent a really big problem. If your kid, neighbor, cousin or enemy is one of them or your one of them. Stop it now."
San Benito High School Superintendent John Perales followed up on Westrick's post with a Facebook message of his own, saying "Dear Students, Parents and Friends of San Benito High School, Dressing up as a scary or as some call it 'killer' clown and chasing children, acting like you are trying to lure other students, peers or younger children is an odd and frightening fad that is happening throughout our Country. As the Superintendent of the San Benito High School District, I echo Hollister Police Chief, David Westrick's, sentiments. Please, doing this is only putting yourself in a very difficult situation. No one will find this funny! Please make good decisions!"