'Who's scared now?': Manhunt for masked man accused of terrorizing people in Philadelphia
An arrest warrant has been issued for 22-year-old Zymire Hughes, police announced on Thursday.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A cross-country manhunt is underway for a man accused of terrorizing people in Center City Philadelphia.
"Who's scared now? Who's running now?" District Attorney Larry Krasner asked during a news conference on Thursday.
Investigators say 22-year-old Zymire Hughes is the man who was allegedly chasing people around City Hall in the early morning hours, while wearing a Chucky-style Halloween mask.
"He's a punk. I mean, that's the bottom line. He's a punk who scared a lot of people for no good reason, and we're not going to tolerate it," Krasner said.
Now, police are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to track down and capture Hughes, officials said.
Officials said they've received information that Hughes packed his bags and "left approximately two nights ago," leading them to believe Hughes may have fled Pennsylvania.
They pointed out 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 Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith.
He is also currently on probation for a crime he committed in Montgomery County, with that probation being supervised in Philadelphia, Kranser added, saying that these incidents are a potential violation of that probation.
"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," Krasner said. "You think it's funny to make people run, get your sneaks, because that's what Zamir Hughes is doing right now. Mr. Big and Bad is on the run."
Possible Motive
Officials say he was likely doing it for social media fame.
Kranser said investigators have identified three social media accounts associated with Hughes; two are TikTok accounts and the other is an Instagram account.
"So, think twice, young people who are on social media who want to get some kind of following, some kind of clout, whatever it may be," Krasner said.
In one instance, police say he allegedly asked a woman, "Are you ready to die?"
That victim severely injured her leg during the ordeal as she ran away, screaming for help.
Surveillance cameras caught another encounter.
WATCH: New videos show suspect wanted for terrorizing Philly residents
"It's readily apparent that this individual is certainly in fear of their life," Krasner said.
Kranser did emphasize that, at no point, did Hughes attempt to lay hands on anyone or furnish a weapon.
Police are also asking anyone else who may have been victimized by Hughes to come forward.
"We will catch you. The police will catch you. The federal marshal will catch you. Even if you run, we will hold you accountable," Krasner warned Hughes.
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).
