Man in clown mask accused of grabbing, shaking and screaming at child on Halloween | ABC6

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — Police responded to a call on Halloween night of two adults in clown masks driving a van “inappropriately scaring small children” according to Smithfield police.

Officers arrived at Willow Road at approximately 7:40 p.m. where the parents of a two-year-old child said that an occupant of the van exited wearing a clown mask.

The individual then came up behind the child, “grabbing his shoulders and shaking him, screaming,” according to the parents.

One of the parents told the individual to get off the property and leave the area.

The van was located on Randall Street and described as a “pop-up” haunted house, containing a fog machine that would lure children to the van, after which the occupants would jump out and scare the children.

Police contacted the van’s owner and advised him of the complaint and were told by the individual that they were driving around handing out candy to children.

Police say that the individual did not seem malicious but was advised that his van might be perceived as suspicious.

The van’s owner denied making physical contact with any children and was told by police that the incident would be documented.

No arrests were made.