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Philadelphia police identify masked man terrorizing people in Center City as Zymire Hughes

CBS News Published Aug 20, 2026 Reviewed Aug 21, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
Philadelphia police identify masked man terrorizing people in Center City as Zymire Hughes
Philadelphia police identified 22-year-old Zymire Hughes as the masked man terrorizing people near City Hall.
22 years · Zymire Hughes Philadelphia police, police
Zymire Hughes allegedly threatened and chased at least a half dozen people around Philadelphia City Hall on Aug. 12.
at least 6 people · Zymire Hughes police, police
District Attorney Larry Krasner urged anyone victimized by Zymire Hughes or who knows his whereabouts to come forward.
Larry Krasner, District Attorney
Authorities believe Zymire Hughes is on the run and has ties to California and Nevada.
Authorities, police
Philadelphia police are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to bring Zymire Hughes back to the state.
Police, police
Because one victim was hurt while trying to run away, Zymire Hughes is expected to face an aggravated assault charge in addition to other counts.
Larry Krasner, District Attorney

Philadelphia police have identified the suspect wanted for terrorizing people near City Hall last week while wearing a "Chucky-style" mask.

Police announced Thursday on social media they are looking for 22-year-old Zymire Hughes. An arrest warrant has been issued.

Hughes allegedly threatened and chased at least a half dozen people around Philadelphia City Hall Aug. 12 and asked one woman if she was "ready to die," according to police.

District Attorney Larry Krasner on Thursday asked anyone who has been victimized by Hughes or knows where he is to come forward. 

"We care about the victimization of people in every section of this city, as I know the Philadelphia Police Department does as well," Krasner said.

Investigators believe he did this to scare people, either for his own personal benefit or to post it online. He appeared to be recording the encounters on his cellphone.

Authorities believe Hughes is on the run and said he has ties to California and Nevada. Police are working with the U.S. Marshals Service to bring him back to the state. 

Because one of the victims was hurt while trying to run away, the suspect is expected to face an aggravated assault charge in addition to other counts, Krasner said.

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