Bizarre, Criminal law, Society

Send in the Clowns: Tampa Police Arrest Teen For Wearing Clown Mask in Public

Police in Tampa, Florida appear to have clown issues from their youth. Matthew David Lopez, 18, was arrested for wearing a clown mask in public. (The picture is some other clown).

Isn’t it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground,
You in mid-air.
Send in the clowns.

Now, for the record, I was always scared of the clowns at the circus. However, some cities have passed laws criminalizing the wearing of masks or hoods that raise serious constitutional questions.

Isn’t it bliss?
Don’t you approve?
One who keeps tearing around,
One who can’t move.
Where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns.

On this occasion, a deputy spotted Lopez wearing a clown mask with red-orange hair around 1:00 pm. The teens took off when the officer tried to make contact with them.

Just when I’d stopped
Opening doors,
Finally knowing
The one that I wanted was yours,
Making my entrance again
With my usual flair,
Sure of my lines,
No one is there.

Lopez was charged with wearing a mask or hood in public and resisting an officer without violence.

Don’t you love farce?
My fault, I fear.
I thought that you’d want what I want –
Sorry, my dear.
But where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns.
Quick, send in the clowns.

Of course, Florida police are lucky. Minneapolis police are dealing with an infestation of zombies and would love a few clowns, here.

What a surprise.
Who could foresee
I’d come to feel about you
What you’d felt about me?
Why only now when i see
That you’d drifted away?
What a surprise.
What a cliché.

For the story, click here.

Isn’t it rich?
Isn’t it queer?
Losing my timing this late
In my career?
And where are the clowns?
Quick, send in the clowns.
Don’t bother – they’re here.

Here is something to soothe Lopez’s clown-raged soul. As always, Sinatra did it best:

125 thoughts on “Send in the Clowns: Tampa Police Arrest Teen For Wearing Clown Mask in Public”

  1. Yer sounding pretty darn smart there, yup…yesirreee…..

    Thats one big fat brain you got there fella.

  3. mespo:
    I am hoping that the Professor will post something regarding these snow storms,I have a “beaut”.I don’t want to get off topic to post it though.

  6. I don’t know that my fear goes as far as an actualy phonia, but I definately do not like clowns. The fear was a bubbling one as I was growing up, but after watching ” IT ” as a teenager all clowns officially became off limits!!
    That being said AY, I guess DC is definately off of any future vacation plans!!

  7. Some people have clown phobias. I think they are very real to those who have them. I don’t have that phobia.

  8. Canadian Eh–

    “There is nothing quite as scarey as a clown!”

    Except for hundreds of clowns gathered in one place. That’s why the Capitol building in Washington is considered by many to be a chamber of horrors.

  9. Nah, Canadian Eh,

    Unless you are talking about family that dresses as clowns for charity events. Oh, wait, that is scary. Nuff said.

  13. “When you see me shed a tear
    Then you know that I’m sincere
    I just think it’s kinda sad
    That she’s treating you so bad
    And I’m the one who cares”

  15. And, a lot of cops are both criminals and clowns themselves too. (but most are quite outstanding and great) 🙂

  17. Buddha,

    In my estimation a lot of criminals hide behind the mask of being a cop.

  18. When clowns are outlawed, only outlaws will be clowns.

    Are you sure this wasn’t in DC?

  19. Professor Turley,

    I’m going to disagree with you about Sinatra. I think Judy Collins did it best!

    [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjiE1-WYLos&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

  20. If you take the love part out and keep in mind that this is Tampa.

    [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU63lpp6vrQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

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