Police are searching for a suspect identified as 22-year-old Zymire Hughes, who is accused of harassing multiple individuals in Philadelphia while wearing a mask resembling the character Chucky from the "Child's Play" horror franchise. Authorities believe Hughes may have traveled to the West Coast, specifically the Los Angeles area or Las Vegas, for employment.
The incident began around 5:20 a.m. on a Wednesday when Hughes entered a Dunkin' Donuts. Employees reportedly refused him service due to his erratic behavior. Shortly after leaving the store, Hughes allegedly approached a female jogger, filmed the interaction, and asked her, "Are you ready to die?" The jogger, startled, attempted to flee and sustained a leg injury.
A witness, identified as Jameka, told WPVI that she attempted to warn the jogger and intervened by kicking the suspect in the chest, disorienting him before he fled the scene. Police have released video footage showing Hughes wearing the mask and engaging in the harassment.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Hughes, who faces multiple charges including terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and witness intimidation. Philadelphia Police Captain Jason Smith stated that information received by law enforcement suggests Hughes has a history of traveling between Philadelphia and the West Coast for work.