Philadelphia police have identified 22-year-old Zymire Hughes as the suspect in a series of incidents where a masked individual terrorized residents near City Hall on August 12. An active arrest warrant has been issued for Hughes, who is accused of confronting at least six people while wearing a Chucky-style Halloween mask. Authorities believe he may have fled Pennsylvania and has ties to California and Nevada.
Police allege Hughes chased a female jogger, asking her, “Are you ready to die?” before she fled and injured her leg. Surveillance footage shows Hughes entering SEPTA’s Suburban Station while wearing the mask, where he was reportedly asked to remove it by SEPTA police. The incidents spanned approximately 20 minutes, with Hughes allegedly attempting to scare or antagonize multiple individuals.
Immediate Response & Official Statements
Philadelphia police announced Hughes’ identification during a news conference on August 15, with District Attorney Larry Krasner stating, “You think it's funny to scare people? Well, get ready to get scared by us because we got the handcuffs, we got the jail cell, we got the Philly jury that's going to tell you it's not funny at all.”
Captain Jason Smith of the Philadelphia Police Department confirmed that Hughes encountered 15 to 16 people during the early morning hours of August 12. Smith described the suspect’s behavior as “attempting to scare or antagonize” while wearing a distinctive Chucky doll Halloween-style face mask. The first incident occurred around 5:01 a.m. at 10th and Chestnut, with Hughes proceeding down Chestnut Street and harassing several individuals, including the jogger near City Hall.
Victim Accounts & Self-Defense Incident
A 40-year-old female jogger reported that Hughes chased her while asking, “Are you ready to die?” She suffered injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, according to Smith. Another woman, Jameka Wilson, a trained stage combat performer, described how she fought off Hughes after he chased her on August 12. Wilson stated she kicked Hughes in the chest, causing him to stumble and flee.
Surveillance video shows Hughes entering Suburban Station around 5:35 a.m., where he was asked to remove his mask by SEPTA police. The video also appears to show Hughes concealing his identity as he moved through the station. A Dunkin’ Donuts employee reportedly refused service to Hughes due to the mask.
Search Efforts & Legal Charges
Police are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to locate Hughes, who may have fled Pennsylvania. Authorities believe he has connections to California and Nevada. The suspect could face charges including harassment, terroristic threats, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and intimidation, according to Smith.
Philadelphia police released a photo of Hughes and urged the public to come forward with any information. The case remains under investigation as authorities seek his arrest.