Philadelphia police have identified a 22-year-old man they say was captured on surveillance video chasing and threatening women while wearing a Chucky-style Halloween mask. Police say Zymire Hughes has an active arrest warrant and may have left Pennsylvania. The reported incidents occurred around Philadelphia streets, including near City Hall, and prompted authorities to ask the public to watch for him. Investigators describe Hughes as a thin Black male with a medium complexion who may be carrying a black-and-blue plaid backpack.
Police allege that Hughes assaulted one woman and asked another whether she was “ready to die” while pursuing people in the city. One woman, Jameka Wilson, said she fought back after the masked man threatened her. Authorities have not announced an arrest in the case.
| 1) | Police identify the masked suspect |
|---|---|
| 2) | Reported incidents near Philadelphia streets |
| 3) | Woman describes fighting back |
| 4) | Surveillance video and suspect description |
| 5) | Police seek public assistance |
Police identify the masked suspect
Philadelphia police identified the suspect as Zymire Hughes, 22. Authorities say an active warrant has been issued for his arrest following allegations that he chased and threatened women while wearing a white Halloween mask styled after the horror character Chucky. The reported conduct took place on Philadelphia streets, with police seeking to locate Hughes and determine his whereabouts.
Police have not stated in the available information when Hughes might have left the city or whether he has traveled outside Pennsylvania. They say he has connections to California and Nevada, which investigators included in their effort to locate him.
Reported incidents near Philadelphia streets
The allegations center on several encounters reported around the city, including an incident last Wednesday. Police say Hughes allegedly assaulted one woman while wearing the mask and pursued other people on foot. According to police, he also yelled at a woman and asked whether she was “ready to die.”
Surveillance footage allegedly shows a masked man running toward people in the city. A Dunkin’ Donuts location reportedly refused to serve him because he was wearing the mask. Police said the reported encounters created concern among people in the area, particularly those who were approached or followed.
Woman describes fighting back
One reported confrontation ended differently when Jameka Wilson, who said she had combat training, fought back after the masked man allegedly threatened her. Wilson said she noticed that he was not protecting his midsection and kicked him in the chest.
“He was not guarding his midsection, so she kicked him hard in the chest. He stumbled and ran,” Wilson said.
Her account describes how the encounter ended, but police continue to characterize Hughes as a suspect because the allegations have not been resolved in court. No finding of guilt has been reported.
Surveillance video and suspect description
Police released or referenced images showing a person in a cracked baby-doll-style mask and compared the image with surveillance footage allegedly showing the suspect pursuing a victim near City Hall. The footage is part of the investigation into the reported threats and chases.
Authorities describe the person they are seeking as a Black male with a medium complexion, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a thin build. Police say he was wearing a white Chucky-style Halloween mask with black hair and carrying a black-and-blue plaid backpack. The description is intended to help the public recognize him, while investigators continue working to confirm the circumstances of each reported encounter.
Police seek public assistance
Philadelphia police are asking residents to remain alert and notify authorities if they see someone matching the description. The request follows the reported incidents near City Hall and the allegation that Hughes may have fled Pennsylvania. People who encounter a person they believe could be the suspect should avoid confrontation and contact police.
The active warrant means Hughes is wanted for arrest, but it does not establish guilt. Police will need to locate him, investigate the individual reports, and present the case through the legal process. Anyone with relevant information can provide it to Philadelphia authorities.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Police identified Zymire Hughes, 22, as the suspect and said he has an active arrest warrant. |
| 2 | Authorities allege that women were chased and threatened near Philadelphia streets, including City Hall. |
| 3 | Police say surveillance video shows a masked person pursuing people on foot. |
| 4 | A woman identified as Jameka Wilson said she kicked the suspect in the chest after he threatened her. |
| 5 | Police say Hughes may have connections to California and Nevada and ask the public to help locate him. |
Summary
Philadelphia police are seeking Zymire Hughes after identifying him as the person they allege chased and threatened women while wearing a distinctive Halloween mask. Surveillance footage, witness accounts, and a detailed clothing description form part of the investigation. Because the allegations remain unresolved, Hughes is considered a suspect, and any criminal case must proceed through the courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are police seeking?
Police are seeking Zymire Hughes, a 22-year-old man they identified as the suspect in the reported masked encounters.
What is Hughes accused of doing?
Police allege that he chased and threatened women in Philadelphia, assaulted one woman, and wore a white Chucky-style Halloween mask during the incidents.
What should the public do?
Anyone who sees someone matching the description should avoid confrontation and contact Philadelphia police with relevant information.
