MURFREESBORO, TN – The Murfreesboro Police Department announced Wednesday that it is actively investigating a clown abduction in Downtown Murfreesboro.

According to MPD Spokesman Ron McDonald, authorities received a phone call on Wednesday morning that Popsy, the lovable neighborhood clown of Downtown Murfreesboro, had been abducted.

“The information that we have at this time indicates that Popsy was walking on South Front Street near Cannonsburgh Village when he was abducted,” McDonald said, fighting back tears. “At some point, witnesses believe that Popsy was lured into a nearby wooded area by a group of elementary age boys and, after that, his friends were unable to locate him.”

The abduction continues a series of recent reports of minor children luring or attempting to lure clowns away from friends and into the woods. Just last week, Dumpty, a local clown and entertainer, called the police after three boys offered him candy to step into the woods near Black Fox Elementary School.

“These children need to understand that it isn’t funny to pretend to be dangerous just to drive up clown paranoia,” said John “Giggles” Howard, the President of the Tennessee Clown Association, in a telephone interview with The Tribune. Giggles spoke over the phone because, let’s be honest, clowns are creepy as all get out and the author of this article didn’t feel like going face-to-face with a curious mystery of white makeup, a  red nose, and hollow eyes that hold the fear of an entire nation.

“We believe the art of clowning is something to be treasured and enjoyed by audience’s worldwide,” Giggles added. “And we are f***ing terrified.”

The Downtown Community will hold a vigil on Wednesday evening to demonstrate unity and call for Popsy’s safe return. Attendees are encouraged to bring stickers, flowers, and toy guns with “BANG” ribbons inside.

Anyone with information related to this clown abduction is encouraged to contact local law enforcement and make a full statement. Popsy’s family is offering a $12.00 reward for information that leads to his safe return. The family would offer more, but clowning doesn’t pay like it used to.