Philadelphia police identify masked man terrorizing people in Center City as Zymire Hughes

Philadelphia police have identified the suspect wanted for terrorizing people near City Hall last week while wearing a “Chucky-style” mask.

Police announced Thursday on social media they are looking for 22-year-old Zymire Hughes. An arrest warrant has been issued.

Hughes allegedly threatened and chased at least a half dozen people around Philadelphia City Hall Aug. 12 and asked one woman if she was “ready to die,” according to police.

District Attorney Larry Krasner on Thursday asked anyone who has been victimized by Hughes or knows where he is to come forward. 

“We care about the victimization of people in every section of this city, as I know the Philadelphia Police Department does as well,” Krasner said.

Investigators believe he did this to scare people, either for his own personal benefit or to post it online. He appeared to be recording the encounters on his cellphone.

Authorities believe Hughes is on the run and said he has ties to California and Nevada. Police are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to bring him back to the state. 

Because one of the victims was hurt while trying to run away, the suspect is expected to face an aggravated assault charge in addition to other counts, Krasner said.