A woman from Shelby County was arrested early this (Wednesday) morning for calling 911 to report clown sightings at the Avoca Pool and Avoca High School. The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office says 36-year old Jennifer Lynn Brennan, of Harlan, made the non-emergency 9-1-1 call at around 4:15-a.m.  Authorities located the woman at her place of employment in Avoca, and arrested her at around 4:45-a.m. for calling 9-1-1 for a non-emergency.

(Updated 10:45-a.m.):

AHSTW School officials posted a message on their social media page with regard to the incident. The message said “Administrators met with local law enforcement this (Wednesday) morning to verify any reports of “creepy clown” sightings on the AHSTW campus. None of these reports are true.

“Social media and news reports state, “creepy clown sightings” are on trend in the country. The hoax is that people dress as clowns, roam around, and try to lure others toward them and may directly threaten people or make threats to organizations like schools. Law enforcement has found little to substantiate the hundreds of reports in Iowa. That being said, authorities will file criminal charges against people who are purposely perpetrating a hoax.”

The School District said “Local law enforcement in the City of Avoca and Pottawattamie County are cracking down on anyone participating in this hoax. Please understand that “to incite fear or trespass on someone’s property” is against the law.” They reiterated that “The social media pictures that were reportedly taken on the AHSTW campus are photoshopped. All reports are unsubstantiated.” Officials advised parents to “Please help your child understand that this is a rumor. Let your child know it is safe to attend school.”

Nationwide, the alleged clown threats and incidents began to occur after it was announced a remake of the 1990 horror film “It,” was being made. The original movie was based on a 1987 Stephen King novel that increased the public’s fear of clowns.