Philadelphia authorities have issued an arrest warrant for 22-year-old Zymire Hughes, the man police believe is responsible for a terrifying string of incidents outside City Hall.
The suspect, who allegedly wore a “distinctive Chucky doll Halloween-style face mask,” was caught on camera chasing down pedestrians in the early morning hours. Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith told reporters on Monday that investigators believe at least six people were targeted by the suspect, who appeared to be running up to them to “scare or antagonize” them.
In one chilling incident captured on surveillance, the masked individual chased a female jogger and allegedly asked her, “Are you ready to die?” The victim fled, screaming for help, and suffered a leg injury during the escape, according to Smith.
Investigators noted that the suspect appeared to be holding a cellphone in his left hand, seemingly filming the interactions “for his own purposes.” Police were eventually able to identify Hughes after he was captured on video pulling his mask down, partially exposing his face.
Officials now believe Hughes may have fled the state, noting that he has ties to California and Nevada. Police are currently working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service to track him down.
Hughes is expected to face a laundry list of charges, including terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, and intimidation.