Creepy clown sightings go nationwide

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 17 (UPI) -- The rash of creepy clown sightings in California appears to have spread nationwide, with reported en-clown-ters in Florida, Indiana and New Mexico.

The Wasco Clown, a California photography project by a husband-and-wife team who said they wish to remain anonymous, appears to have inspired copycats that have been photographed and videotaped in Albuquerque, N.M.; Fishers, Ind.; and Jacksonville, Fla.

Jacksonville residents said people dressed in creepy clown costumes have been appearing in security camera footage. One recording shows a clown walking up to a resident's porch, tearing apart a pumpkin and staring directly into the camera before walking away.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said it has not received any complaints about clown crimes.

Albuquerque residents have reported encounters with a blood-stained clown couple posing in locations including the University of New Mexico and Expo New Mexico's Fright Fest.

Meanwhile, police in Fishers are asking residents to call officers if they spot a man seen wandering city streets in a clown costume. The man has reportedly been frightening residents, but he is not believed to have broken any laws.