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'Creepy Clowns' Arrested Taking Photos Outside Yonkers School

YONKERS, N.Y. - A couple of clowns were arrested in Yonkers after taking suspicious photos that were later planned to be posted to social media with threats against students and staff.

The clown costume worn by one of the suspects arrested taking photos outside a Yonkers high school.

The clown costume worn by one of the suspects arrested taking photos outside a Yonkers high school.

Photo Credit: Yonkers Police Department
Yonkers suspect Gabriel Garabtio.

Yonkers suspect Gabriel Garabtio.

Photo Credit: Yonkers Police Department
Angelo Rojas was arrested outside a Yonkers high school wearing a clown costume.

Angelo Rojas was arrested outside a Yonkers high school wearing a clown costume.

Photo Credit: Yonkers Police Department

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, officers in the fourth precinct observed a “suspicious vehicle” parked outside the front entrance of Saunders Trades and Technical High School.

As the officers approached the vehicle, they found two men, Gabriel Garabito and Angelo Rojas, the latter of which was wearing a full bodied clown suit pulled up half his body.

According to police, the investigation revealed that the two were taking photos outside of Saunders and several other Yonkers schools while wearing the clown suit, which they then intended to post on social media with threats to cause physical harm the next day, following an alarming national trend.

The arrest comes on the heels of several threats earlier this week involving southern Westchester schools in New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Port Chester and Yonkers.

The suspects were arrested and charged with criminal trespass and loitering, though those charges may be upgraded as the investigation continues. Garabito and Rojas, both 18, were processed in Yonkers City Jail and are due to appear in Yonkers Criminal Court on Friday, Oct. 14.

“We take all threats seriously and this should be an example to all who choose to engage in this type of criminal activity, that there are consequences for this type of behavior,” Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner stated. “Our department will continue to work closely with the Yonkers Board of Education in investigating any threats to our students safety.” 

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