Masked man accused of terrorizing people in Center City Philadelphia identified: Police
An arrest warrant has been issued for 22-year-old Zymire Hughes, police announced on Thursday.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police say that they have identified the man accused of wearing a Chucky-style Halloween mask and terrorizing residents in Center City.
An arrest warrant has been issued for 22-year-old Zymire Hughes, police announced on Thursday.
"You think it's funny to scare people? Well, get ready to get scared by us because we got the handcuffs, we got the jail cell, we got the Philly jury that's going to tell you it's not funny at all," said District Attorney Larry Krasner during a news conference on Thursday.
Police say the masked man, now believed to be Hughes, was chasing people around City Hall in the early morning hours. They say he was likely doing it for social media fame.
"I believe that he was doing this purely for social media content - either A, for his own sick personal amusement, or B, he had plans of posting it online at some point, and possibly monetizing it," said Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith.
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Smith says Hughes encountered 15 to 16 people on the morning of August 15.
In several incidents, the suspect is seen running up to and "attempting to scare or antagonize" while wearing a "distinctive Chucky doll Halloween-style face mask"
WATCH: Police give update on search for masked man in Philadelphia
The first incident happened around 5:01 a.m. at 10th and Chestnut, and the terror culminated when he was after he was seen exiting SEPTA's Suburban Station just before 6 a.m.
Police say he proceeded down Chestnut, harassing several individuals, including a woman seen jogging around City Hall.
The masked suspect allegedly asked the woman, "Are you ready to die?" The victim ran away screaming for help, severely injuring her leg during the ordeal, according to Smith.
"It's going to require extensive medical treatment, from what I understand, in order to treat the injuries that she has sustained," Smith added.
WATCH: New videos show suspect wanted for terrorizing Philly residents
Video shows Hughes entering Suburban Station around 5:35 a.m., where authorities say he was asked to take the mask off by SEPTA police. Video shows him appearing to conceal his identity as he maneuvers through the platform.
Smith said the suspect attempts to scare others while in the station before evading police. He is able to get away on a Route 33 bus around 5:59 a.m. Police say he took the bus up to the intersection of 23rd and Venango Street, where he reportedly lives. Video captures him inside the apartment while he's not wearing a mask, according to investigators.
Officials said Hughes may have fled Pennsylvania, adding that he has ties to California and Las Vegas, Nevada.
"He has a tendency to travel back and forth to the West Coast -- California, the L.A. area -- but also Las Vegas. And he would be for employment reasons," said Smith.
Police are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to track down and capture Hughes, officials said.
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Hughes could be facing charges including terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault and intimidation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Philadelphia police by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477).
ABC News contributed to this report.
