Surveillance footage shows a masked man, wearing a Chucky-style Halloween mask, causing fear among people in downtown Philadelphia. Two police officers pursued him, but he managed to escape, according to officials.
The suspect, 22-year-old Zymire Hughes, is being sought by the Philadelphia Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. An arrest warrant was issued following the incident on August 12.
If Zymire Hughes was trying to scare people, make them run: Who’s scared now? Who’s running now?said Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner during a news conference.
A police-released image shows the suspect in a doll-like mask and surveillance footage captures him allegedly pursuing a victim near City Hall.
Authorities released footage of Hughes leaving his apartment and taking a bus downtown, where he put on his mask at around 5:30 a.m. Police state he began bothering people and recording his actions with a cell phone. Allegedly, he threatened and assaulted a jogger near City Hall before chasing her.
Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith commented on one victim’s reaction:
The victim is absolutely terrified of Mr. Hughes.Captain Smith said.He crouches down with his hands up in a pleading motion. It’s clear this person fears for their life.
Hughes continued to harass others on Chestnut Street, he added.
SEPTA officers later followed Hughes at Suburban Station but he escaped and took a bus home. He was seen wearing the mask upon arrival at his apartment complex.
Smith believes Hughes may have started this spree either for personal amusement or to create monetized social media content. Hughes still at large, has ties to California and Nevada.