Record: Man Wearing Clown Mask Chases Kids With Baseball Bat

A zombie clown prepares for the runners as he takes part in one of Britain's biggest horror events, the 'Zombie Evacuation Race' at Carver Barracks near Saffron Walden, England, on October 5, 2013. Three clowns in Chicago reportedly threatened elementary school students on Oct. 4. (LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

FAIRMONT, W.Va.—A Fairmont man has been accused wearing a clown mask while chasing children with a baseball bat.

The Times West Virginian reports (http://bit.ly/2cQ8Kb7) Marion County sheriff’s deputies arrested 34-year-old Gary A. Valentine on Saturday on an assault charge.

Deputies responded to the Millersville area after receiving a call about the incident.

Police records show Valentine told deputies that he chased some children while wearing a clown mask and carrying a baseball bat. The four children ranged in age from 6 to 11 years old.

Deputies say there had been an altercation between Valentine and a parent that ended with threats but no injuries.

The arrest comes after recent reports of clowns popping up in different states and scaring residents.