A man wearing a Chucky-style Halloween mask is on the run after allegedly terrorizing pedestrians and joggers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The suspect, identified as Zymire Hughes, 22, is wanted on felony and misdemeanor charges after a 40-year-old woman was seriously injured during an encounter on Wednesday, August 12, at approximately 5:30 a.m.
The woman, who is the only victim to come forward so far, was approached by the masked suspect while jogging. According to Philadelphia police captain Jason Smith, the suspect chased her before allegedly asking, 'are you ready to die?' while holding up his phone. The woman ran away screaming for help, tripped, and fell, sustaining injuries that will likely require 'extensive medical treatment,' Smith said.
Suspect Identified and Sought
Detectives have issued an appeal on social media naming Hughes as the suspect, who is believed to have left Pennsylvania state with packed bags two nights ago. Authorities say Hughes has links to Las Vegas, Nevada, and Los Angeles, California. He is accused of approaching around 16 people in total, attempting to harass them while wearing the mask.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner addressed the suspect directly during a press conference, stating: 'There is nobody in the world who should be trying to imitate what this scared man, who's running, is doing now. He's a punk. I mean, that's the bottom line. He's a punk who scared a lot of people for no good reason, and we're not going to tolerate it.' Krasner added, 'Who's scared now? Who's running now?'
Masked Encounters and CCTV Evidence
The suspect was captured on underground train CCTV carrying a blue backpack. He was confronted by transport police, who asked him to remove the mask, according to Captain Smith. Smith noted, 'Underneath that Chucky-style Halloween mask, he's got a black Covid-style mask underneath of that, which he never removes.'
The incidents occurred over the past week, with the suspect running up to pedestrians and joggers in a scare spree that has alarmed residents. The woman's injury is the most serious reported so far, and police are urging other potential victims to come forward.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Authorities continue to search for Hughes, who is believed to have fled the state. The charges relate to the woman's case, and the investigation remains active. Police are asking anyone with information about Hughes's whereabouts to contact them. The district attorney's office has emphasized that such behavior will not be tolerated, and the public is advised to remain vigilant.
