Cat in the Hat Figure Chases Teen in West Kelowna as 4 States Probe Threat Trend
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 14
Cat in the Hat Figure Chases Teen in West Kelowna as 4 States Probe Threat Trend
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 14
Summary
West Kelowna RCMP said a person in a Cat in the Hat-style costume chased a teenage girl near Shamrock Drive around 9 p.m. on Aug. 24; she got home safely and the suspect remains unidentified.
Police said the costume itself is not illegal, but pursuing someone in a way that causes reasonable fear could amount to criminal harassment, with assault, threats or intimidation charges also possible.
Investigators are seeking doorbell, security and dashcam footage from the area and urged anyone being followed to move to a populated place, contact a trusted adult and call 911 if in immediate danger.
The case surfaced as U.S. authorities from California to Florida, Virginia and Texas investigate sinister Cat in the Hat posts naming schools, students and towns, while warning residents not to repost the material.
Juvenile arrests tied to the trend have already been reported in Louisiana, Florida, Colorado, Alabama, Ohio and Kentucky, underscoring police warnings that online 'pranks' can trigger school discipline and criminal charges.