A Florida man dressed as a clown caused chaos at a shopping plaza this week, leading to a dramatic arrest caught on police body cameras. Christopher Marlowe, 40, ignored previous warnings to stay away from the property, showing a blatant disregard for the law and public safety.
Officers responded to reports of a clown-costumed man yelling and loitering at Interchange Plaza in Palm Bay. Police had already banned Marlowe from the area days earlier for causing disturbances. Instead of respecting the trespass order, he returned dressed as a Ronald McDonald-style clown, proving he cared more about attention than following rules.
Bodycam footage shows officers calmly telling Marlowe he’s under arrest. The suspect immediately resisted, pulling away and swearing at police. Officers had to physically restrain him while he screamed obscenities – behavior unfit for any public space. His aggressive stance and clenched fists forced law enforcement to act decisively to protect themselves and bystanders.
During the struggle, Marlowe’s clown costume didn’t stop him from fighting back. Police found an orange flare gun in his pocket and multiple clown props in his backpack, revealing he came prepared to cause a spectacle rather than conduct legitimate business. This wasn’t harmless fun – it was deliberate disruption.
As officers placed him in the patrol car, one remarked “You look like a clown.” Marlowe snapped back “No s*, I am a clown, stupid!” His defiant attitude highlights the growing trend of individuals prioritizing personal expression over community standards and legal boundaries.
Marlowe now faces charges of trespassing after warning and resisting arrest with violence. His $5,500 bond reflects the seriousness of confronting law enforcement officers doing their jobs. This incident shows why strong policing remains essential to maintain order in public spaces.
The Palm Bay Police Department’s handling of this clown situation demonstrates their commitment to public safety. As they stated, “Everyone has the right to feel safe in public spaces.” Allowing repeat offenders like Marlowe to ignore trespass orders would create dangerous precedents that erode community trust.
This clown’s antics wasted police resources and endangered officers. While some might dismiss this as a joke, it underscores the importance of respecting authority and upholding the law. Florida’s communities deserve better than street theater from attention-seekers who think rules don’t apply to them.
