HAMILTON HEIGHTS — The clown accused of terrifying a teen on the subway by chasing him with a knife called the entire incident a "misunderstanding" — claiming he never even had a blade and that he only wants to bring "happiness and laughter" to the world.
Thomas Smith, 53, turned himself in to police Thursday night after donning clown garb and chasing a 16-year-old boy off a 6 train on the Upper East Side holding a kitchen knife, authorities said.
"It was a mistake," he said Friday while leaving his Hamilton Heights apartment with a suitcase and garment bag in tow. “It was a misunderstanding. I’m mystified myself.”
Smith, who was charged with menacing and issued a desk-appearance ticket before being released from custody, denied having a knife but didn't elaborate further on what took place.
"The police are doing their investigation," he said. “It was very upsetting to me.”
Smith described himself as a professional and called the recent rash of creepy clown sightings around the world "awful."
"It’s hurting legitimate professionals... who are bringing happiness and laughter and giving people a break," he said.
"It’s a shame people go around and do these kinds of stunts."