SLP Woman Warns Police of Clown-Suit-Wearing Man

St. Louis Park Police spoke with a 55-year-old man recently who neighbors allege appeared to be grooming children for sexual victimization.

Officers were in the area of 2700 Louisiana Court on April 11 when a resident stated her twin 6-year-old boys had been talking with an older man walking his dog. She said the man often walks his smaller dog, but never wears a coat.

The woman said she is particularly sensitive to adult predators who might try to groom children "so that they can victimize them," according to a police report. Police report the 55-year-old allegedly comes out to walk his dog whenever young children area leaving or returning from school, but that he walks away whenever an adult approaches.

Last Halloween, she said the same man dressed up as a clown and spent time in the court area of the apartment complex talking with children. 

Police spoke with building management, learning that the 55-year-old man appears to have some sort of disability and that the dog is his service dog.

While on patrol the following day, officers observed the described man out walking his dog in the area. Police spoke with him and explained that some parents were concerned about his interest in their children. The man reportedly told officers he never meant any harm, but that he was merely letting the children meet his dog.

Officers told the man to try to respect the wishes of the parents—despite him not breaking any laws—then followed up with the complainant to let her know to contact police in case she witnesses any inappropriate behavior.

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