Surveillance footage has revealed a brief incident where a masked individual resembling Chucky from Halloween films instilled fear in several downtown Philadelphia residents. Officials reported that two police officers attempted to follow the suspect, who managed to evade capture.
The suspect, 22-year-old Zymire Hughes, is currently sought by both the Philadelphia Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. An arrest warrant has been issued for an incident that occurred on August 12.
“If Zymire Hughes was trying to scare people, make them run: Who’s scared now? Who’s running now?” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner stated during a news conference.
The police released an image juxtaposing the masked suspect with surveillance footage of him allegedly pursuing a victim near City Hall.
Authorities released footage showing Hughes departing his apartment. He then traveled downtown by bus, dressing in his mask at around 5:30 a.m. This marked the start of his interactions with the public, recorded on his cell phone, which allegedly included threatening a jogger near City Hall.
Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith described one victim’s visible terror, noting, “He crouches down with his hands up in a pleading motion…it’s readily apparent that this individual is certainly in fear for their life.” Hughes then continued along Chestnut Street, reportedly disturbing other individuals.
The disturbance climaxed when Hughes allegedly pursued the jogger, reportedly asking if she was “ready to die,” according to police. The jogger, injured while trying to escape, is expected to need significant medical care.
Hughes was later seen inside Suburban Station by two Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) officers who instructed him to remove his mask. He complied but kept a COVID-style mask on, concealing his identity.
Although officers followed him, Hughes managed to board a bus back home. There, surveillance footage captures him entering his apartment complex without the mask. Police identified Hughes along with two others from this footage.
Capt. Smith suggested Hughes’ actions might stem from a desire for “sick personal amusement” or to produce monetized social media content. Authorities noted Hughes’ connections to California and Nevada as the search for him continues.