Man wearing clown mask chases kids with baseball bat

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

The Times West Virginian reports 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.