Police Warn of Creepy Clown Sightings Due to IT

The King adaptation hits theaters September 8.

By Jordan Sirani

With Stephen King's IT set to hit theaters next weekend, Pennsylvania State Police are warning of the return of last year's creepy clown phenomenon.

"With the fall of 2017 upon us, it is anticipated that similar ‘creepy clown’ sightings could be reported starting as soon as September, in part due to the fact that the movie IY will be released in theaters on 9/8/2017," said the state police department, as reported by CBS Philly.

"The movie, which is adapted from a Stephen King novel by the same name, portrays an evil demon who takes on the shape of a clown named Pennywise, 'that stalks kids from within the sewers and killing them when they least expect it.'"

Clown sightings were reported in over a dozen states last fall, according to the report, and while many were debunked as hoaxes, several clown-related arrests were made. While it's probably best to practice caution when encountering a wandering clown, be mindful that they may just be down on their luck, as clowns are reportedly losing work because of IT.

Early reactions to IT were overwhelmingly positive, with IGN's Terri Schwartz calling it "terrifying and hilarious and delightful." For more on the highly anticipated horror film, which hits theater September 8, here are 36 images from Stephen King's IT.

Jordan is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter @jdsirani.

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