2 girls charged for separate Toms River clown hoaxes

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (WABC) -- Two girls have been charged following separate hoaxes involving clowns in Ocean County, New Jersey.

A 14-year-old girl was charged after police say she claimed she was chased by a person armed with a knife and dressed as a clown as she walked to her bus stop in South Toms River on Wednesday morning.

The incident also allegedly involved threats posted online.

In response, authorities say additional police patrols were set up to search for a possible attacker. However, the prosecutor's office said the investigation led back to the teen, who recanted her story.

She is facing charges in juvenile court.

The prosecutor added that her parents will have to pay for the police services used while responding to this false alarm.

Meanwhile, a 12-year-old girl has been arrested and charged following a clown threat against a school in Toms River.

On Tuesday evening, police say they were contacted about a post from a Twitter account called "KillerClownFromNJ."

The tweet read, "Some people wanted Toms River Intermediate East Middle School; I will be there at 8:37 sharp on Thursday, October 6th 2016!!"

The tweet also had a number of emojis "implying violence," police said.

Police say they worked overnight on the case, and extra security was provided at the schools.

However, authorities say that at no time was there any credible threat, and it appears to be an "ill-conceived hoax."

The girl was arrested and charged with third-degree criminal count of causing false public alarm.