Creepy clowns spotted in Bound Brook, Spotswood

• Spotswood man found a clown peaking into his home
• Bound Brook High School student spotted a clown as she was walking to school Monday

A man dressed as a "creepy clown" wearing a black cloak, painted white face and black wig stepped out of the bushes on Mountain Avenue around 7 a.m. Monday just as a Bound Brook High School student was heading to class.

Police said the man resembled a character from the movie "Scream."

The sighting of the Bound Brook creepy clown comes days after a clown was spotted peering into a Spotswood man's home Friday.

In Bound Brook, "The individual DID NOT approach the student, DID NOT speak with the student, just stood in front of an apartment building in town," police posted on their Facebook page.

"At this point, the student sprinted to the high school and notified the administration, who then contacted the Bound Brook Police Department," Superintendent of Schools Daniel Gallagher said in a notice Monday to parents.

"With all of the clown sightings happening, she did the right thing and reported it," the Facebook post said.

READ: Efinger Sporting Goods closing Bound Brook store

READ: Fire-damaged 25 Burgers in Bound Brook to reopen

READ: New South Bound Brook police chief emphasizes community relations

Gallagher said the district has faith and confidence in the police department's ability to conduct an investigation  and handle the situation by holding the individual responsible and accountable for their actions.

In recent weeks nationally, there have been reports of creepy clowns, some attempting to lure or chase children, and in Reading, Ohio, where a woman was attacked by a man dressed as a clown, who also apparently threatened school students, resulting in the district closing schools.

Philadelphia schools officials and police are investigating creepy clowns threats made against students and teachers on social media.

"To ensure the safety of our children, it is recommended that students develop a buddy system for walking to and from school," Gallagher said in the notice to parents. "Students should never walk alone. Always walk in groups with at least two or three other students."

He added that if students see a suspicious person dressed as a clown approach them, they should immediately contact the Bound Brook Police Department.

"We are asking for your support by assuring our students that we are aware of this situation and are taking precautions for the utmost safety of our students. Additionally, there will be an increased administrative presence during morning arrival and after school dismissal," Gallagher said.

Around 1 a.m. Friday, a Spotswood man was on the couch in his living room when he noticed movement in the back of his Elm Street home, against the darkness of the sliding glass door.

The resident  spotted a person dressed as a clown looking into his home, police said. No weapon was shown.

The resident, in his 50s, saw the clown take off heading toward Wilson Avenue, police said. When the resident checked his backyard, he found the gate open.

Police checked the area but were unable to locate the clown, according to Spotswood Police Capt. Phil Corbisiero, a 24-year veteran of the department.

He said police increased patrols in the area, where there are many families with children.

"We're going to take it seriously," said Corbisiero, adding that the clown sighting happened just weeks before Mischief Night and Halloween.

Corbisiero said he has never seen reports of creepy clowns causing havoc in the community before and hopes the current fad ends soon.

On a Facebook posting, residents urge their neighbors to be careful and lock their doors.

The Bound Brook Police Department is investigating the Monday morning incident. Anyone with information  is asked to call 732-356-0800, ext. 0.

Staff Writer Suzanne Russell: 732-565-7335; srussell@mycentraljersey.com