Clown Sightings Are Back: Nashville Business Owner Faces Frightening Encounter

Remember back in 2016 when clowns were being spotted all over? Well, it seems like this man is bringing it back... but with burglary this time.

A Nashville garden center is dealing with a strange and unsettling situation after a thief, dressed as a clown, was caught on security cameras attempting to steal from the business. Derek Johnson, owner of JVI Secret Gardens in Donelson, was alerted to the unusual break-in by his business partner, Erin.

Clown in Disguise: Thief Caught on Camera at Donelson Garden Center

“Erin called me and said, ‘There’s someone at the garden center wearing a white mask. You need to get up here right away,’” Johnson shared. Upon reviewing the footage, he was shocked to see the masked intruder dressed in a white clown mask, which immediately reminded him of the character Pennywise from It.

What Was The Clown Trying To Steal?

The thief had broken through the back fence and was trying to steal a propane tank and saw blade. Rather than confront the suspect in person, Johnson used the security camera’s speaker to scare off the would-be burglar. "When I clicked the speaker, it made a noise, and the person heard it, then said, ‘I’m leaving,’ and ran off,” Johnson said.

Once the coast was clear, Johnson found that the thief had only managed to steal a saw blade before fleeing the scene.

Though the clown costume was unusual, it wasn’t the first time the garden center has been targeted. Johnson suspects the same individual may have been responsible for another break-in six months ago, where a similar propane tank and tools were stolen.

Security Cam Footage

The garden center already has four security cameras, but Johnson plans to add more in response to the latest incident. Although he’s relieved that no one was harmed, the experience left him feeling unsettled. “I’m still processing it,” he said. “Am I scared of clowns now, or was this just a one-time thing?”

Johnson is frustrated by the repeated break-ins, especially in what he considers a peaceful area. “It’s hard to understand why someone would target a small garden center like ours,” he said.

The police are investigating, and Johnson is urging other local businesses to tighten security and keep their valuables safe as a precaution.