Prosecutors say one encounter began with a chilling question
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A man accused of roaming Center City in a Halloween-style mask and terrorizing people is now wanted on an arrest warrant after prosecutors say he chased a woman near Dilworth Park after approaching her with his arm hidden behind his back and asking if she was ready to die.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office identified the suspect as Zymire Hughes, 22, and announced Thursday that authorities were seeking the public’s help finding him.
Hughes is expected to face charges of aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime, terroristic threats, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, along with related summary offenses, according to prosecutors.
The charges stem from an encounter during the early morning hours of Wednesday, Aug. 12, near Dilworth Park at JFK Boulevard and 15th Street.
Prosecutors allege Hughes approached a woman while wearing a Halloween-style mask and keeping one arm behind his back.
“Are you ready to die?” Hughes allegedly told the woman, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
The woman tried to run away, but Hughes allegedly chased her.
Prosecutors said the woman suffered injuries to her right hamstring and spine during the chase.
The District Attorney’s Office said the encounter was one of multiple similar incidents reported over the previous month. Officials did not provide details Thursday about the other reported encounters.
District Attorney Larry Krasner condemned the alleged conduct while announcing the developments in the case.
“We take it very seriously any time someone thinks it is funny or entertaining to terrorize and harass individuals in any neighborhood,” Krasner said.
“Regardless of his motive, his actions demonstrate that he is a punk and will not be tolerated. He will be caught and held accountable for his crimes.”
Authorities said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone who believes they were victimized by Hughes or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Central Detectives Division at 215-686-3093 or 215-686-3094.
Hughes is accused of the offenses and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Key Points
- Philadelphia authorities are searching for Zymire Hughes, 22, after an arrest warrant was issued.
- Prosecutors allege Hughes wore a Halloween-style mask, threatened a woman near Dilworth Park and chased her as she attempted to escape.
- Hughes is expected to face aggravated assault, terroristic threats and other charges.
