NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security is asking parents to be on the lookout for people dressed as clowns.

The department sent a tweet about the issue on Saturday, as did the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

According to officials, these could actually be child predators.

Earlier this week, a Coffee County teen said he was attacked by someone dressed as a clown.

Anyone who sees a suspicious clown in their area should call 911 or *847.Related Coverage: Police: Oak Ridge middle school student confesses to threats on social media,Middlesboro, Ky., man arrested for causing ‘public alarm’ in clown costume