SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Police are searching for a robber who ripped off a store in clown make up. And they are investigating if there is a connection to something more sinister or if its an isolated case.
The knife wielding bandit got in, got the money and got out of this 7-11 convenience store in 32 seconds. But because of the weapon and the make up - police wonder if this is connected to a group known as juggalos.
Thursday night was just like any other for 7-11 clerk Jyoti Poudyal. But that changed at 7:42 PM when a man wearing clown paint walked in. "All his face was painted red color. And at first I thought he was joking with me." Jyoti says she even made a comment about it to him when he got closer. "I asked him what happened to your face?" But she says he "just asked for money." That's when she knew she this wasn't a joke. The robber tried unsuccessfully to open the register himself. Then he referred to the knife in his right hand and threatened Jyoti. "He showed me knife...and I was like wow, he's serious."
She opened the register - then quickly got away from the man. And as she headed to the back of the store - he took off with the cash out the front doors.
South Salt Lake Police spokesman Gary Keller says, "At this point its isolated. We haven't heard of any other robberies of a suspect of this description." Still, they are investigating the crime and want to know more about the man behind the make up.
They are also curious to find out if the man is a criminal juggalo. Juggalos are fans of Insane Clown Posse or other Psychopathic Records groups. Most wear clown make up and according to Utah authorities about 15 percent of them are involved in gangs. The West Valley City Police Department is on record as saying there are an estimated 3,000 or more Juggalos in Utah.
Police say they don't believe that is what they are dealing with here, but Keller says the case is still open. "We haven't ruled that out, but usually they use a white background a little more facepaint."
People saw the man run south on Adams street. Police then set up a perimeter and used a dog and tracked him about two blocks where the scent was lost. Police believe at that point he got in a car and drove off. Police say he is about 5'-4" with a heavy build.
If you know anything - contact the South Salt Lake Police Department. 801-840-4000
