Police Visited Texas Man's Home Due to Gory Life-Like Halloween Display
Texas Man, Steven Novak, earned a visit from the police due to his gory and fake massacre scene put out as a Halloween display.
Novak, who is from Dallas, said he began decorating the outside of his home about six years ago following his neighbor's request.
"As an artist, I've always got projects going on outside so my neighbors always see me making things. They asked me when I was going to do something for Halloween and they finally talked me into it," Novak was quoted in an NBC News report.
The decorations started with ghosts and fog machines. Novak said it slowly evolved into the hyperreal scene it is now.
Realistic dummies covered in blood are around the front of Novak's home. Each of the dummies were made to look like they suffered a violent death.
In addition, an obvious body bag is in the front yard next to a wheelbarrow of severed limbs. The Texas man said he makes all of the props himself. He added that it can get a little expensive because of all the fake blood he used.
Novak said when it is raining, it washes off and he has to reapply it every morning. As people walk by their dogs, he was just there slinging gallons and gallons of blood, according to NY Post.
"I just wave at them like a friendly neighbor and say, 'Just out here watering the bodies,'" he was quoted in a report.
Most of his neighbors enjoy the display. However, some people in the area have complained.
Spokesperson of Dallas Police Department said that officers were called to Novak's home after receiving complaints about his Halloween décor.
Novak said that the officers did not hand out any citation as they think he was not doing anything wrong. He added that the officers even took pictures, saying it was great.
Furthermore, he claimed he is not a fan of Halloween and only decorates his homes as he loves being able to make things, as well as a put on a show.
Texas counties ban trick-or-treating
Meanwhile, some counties in Texas cancelled the Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating. Hidalgo and El Paso have banned door-to-door trick-or-treating.
Other are discouraging the practice, while promoting safer alternatives such as pumpkin carvings or candy hunts.
Dallas, Tarrant, Travis, Bexar and Harris have stopped short of banning the tradition but recommended against it.
El Paso Mayor Dee Margo said during a press conference said that they do not want door-to-door trick-or-treating.
As of Oct. 20, a total of 34,035 COVID-19 cases were recorded in El Paso County.
Tarrant County officials recommend contactless distributing treats, such as hanging them from a wall or fence.
Austin Public Health director Stephanie Hayden said that this year, they are encouraging families to make new traditions, adding that by doing so can keep families close while keeping everyone safe so that we will be able to gather again in the years to come.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also released a guidance for the holiday.
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