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GREENSBORO, N.C. - When a Greensboro resident spotted a clown near his apartment complex Tuesday, he thought of recent reports of clowns trying to lure children into the woods, and he grabbed a machete and chased after the character.

Clowns have been spotted in several towns across South and North Carolina, most recently in Winston-Salem and High Point.

Chris Bass said he called 911, grabbed a weapon and chased the clown into the woods.

"I know all the kids in here and it’s just, that's why I took it so serious, because I know all the kids here," Bass said.

Greensboro police said a witness reported seeing a person wearing a clown mask, red curly wig, yellow spotted shirt, blue clown pants and clown shoes.

Officers also searched the area for the clown but to no avail.

Three other sightings were reported in North Carolina this week, with four sightings in South Carolina the week before.

Police in Greenville, South Carolina said clowns were trying to entice children into the woods and had also started knocking on doors.

Police said they will arrest and charge anyone involved in these incidents.