12-year-old Bensalem student arrested for clown threat

BENSALEM, Pa. (WPVI) -- Bensalem Police have arrested a 12-year-old student for posting a clown-themed threat on social media.

The Instagram post by account user "BENSALEM Clowns" showed pictures of a gun, a knife and a needle.

It stated, "BENSALEM CLOWN we are coming Shafer and Snyder Tick Tock."

The post caused enough concern that Bensalem police stepped up patrols around schools in the township before the post was traced to the 12-year-old.

The threat has since been deemed not viable. Police say no students or staff were ever in danger.

The student is facing charges of making terroristic threats and harassment and will be disciplined through the school district. Anyone with additional information about the

case is asked to contact Bensalem Police at 215.633.3719.

The arrest is the fourth case in our area involving clown-themed threats. The others include one in Philadelphia and two in New Jersey.