Philadelphia police have identified Zymire Hughes, 22, as the suspect accused of terrorizing a female jogger by chasing her while wearing a Chucky mask. Hughes is believed to have fled the state and has connections to California and Nevada, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
The incident occurred last Wednesday around 5:30 a.m. when Hughes allegedly pursued a 40-year-old woman during her morning run. Video released by police shows the masked man running behind the woman as she crossed an intersection. Officials stated that the suspect made threatening comments while keeping his hand behind his back, causing the victim to stumble and sustain an injury.
The woman attempted to evade the masked figure, but he reportedly changed course to continue the pursuit. A second camera captured the jogger running down a multi-lane road with Hughes following closely behind. He ultimately diverted to the sidewalk as the jogger continued down the street.
Investigators revealed that Hughes allegedly terrorized multiple individuals, laughing at them and asking if they were "ready to die." Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner commented on the case Thursday, stating, "If Zymire Hughes was trying to scare people, make them run. Who's scared now? Who's running now?" He added that Hughes is currently on probation for an unspecified crime in Montgomery County.
A second alleged victim, who identified herself as Jameka, reported that the suspect appeared to be filming the encounters on his cellphone. Jameka stated that moments after the suspect chased another woman, he approached her with his phone in hand. She claimed she warned the other jogger before the suspect turned his attention to her. According to Jameka, the suspect attempted to enter a local coffee shop but was denied entry, subsequently approaching her. She recalled screaming at him not to follow her and adopting a defensive stance. Jameka described the suspect as appearing disoriented and stated he ran away after she kicked him.
Police have indicated that Hughes will face several serious charges upon apprehension. The department is asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact them at 215-686-8477.