Zymire Hughes ID'd as man who terrorized Center City Philadelphia in 'Chucky' mask, police say suspect may have fled PA

Philadelphia police have identified the suspect wanted for chasing down multiple people in the city earlier in the month while wearing a Chucky doll mask, telling one woman in the City Center area, “Are you ready to die?”

The suspect has been identified as 22-year-old Zymire Hughes, with Philadelphia police saying he may have fled the state and has ties to California and Nevada. A warrant is out for Hughes’ arrest. 

The suspect entered a Dunkin Donuts shortly after 5:20 am on August 12 while wearing a “distinctive, Chucky doll Halloween-style face mask,” said Police Capt. Jason Smith. Employees at the establishment refused to serve him due to his erratic behavior. 

After leaving the restaurant, the suspect allegedly approached several people in the surrounding area. Police say he appeared to be recording the encounters on his cellphone. At one point, he reportedly said something to a man wearing a reflective vest and then pursued him.

At around 5:30 am, he was seen in footage chasing down a 40-year-old woman who was jogging in the area of 1500 JFK Blvd, making threatening comments while holding his hand behind his back, saying, “Are you ready to die?” The woman stumbled and sustained an injury, police said. Following the incident, Hughes allegedly fled to the SEPTA Suburban Station.

Police say the suspect could face charges including terroristic threats, harassment, assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation. Smith also said authorities intend to pursue a weapons-related charge because the suspect reportedly kept his right arm behind his back while making the threat.