Philadelphia police are looking for a suspect who, early Wednesday morning, ran up to pedestrians near City Hall wearing a mask reminiscent of the horror‑film character Chucky. The man allegedly threatened at least six people over a fifteen‑minute period, beginning at 5:18 a.m. at the intersection of 15th and Chestnut streets.
Sequence of events
According to Philadelphia Police Department Capt. Jason Smith, the suspect approached multiple individuals, shouting threats and attempting to intimidate them. He was seen holding a cellphone with its light on, possibly recording the encounters. At 5:20 a.m., the man entered a Dunkin’ on the 1500 block of Chestnut Street but was denied service because of his mask. He left the shop and, five minutes later, was captured on surveillance video running toward a crowd at the southwest corner of Penn Square, adjacent to City Hall.
Smith said the suspect chased a man on the west side of 15th Street and then approached a woman who was jogging near 15th and Market streets. He stopped in front of her and asked, “Are you ready to die?” The woman fled the scene, injuring her leg in the process.
Witness accounts
Luanda Marinho, who was meeting a friend for a morning run at 12th and Chestnut streets, said she and her companion heard the masked man ask, “Do you guys want to race me? I bet I am faster than you. Want to race me?” The repeated challenges went unanswered, and Marinho described the incident as “very weird.” She later saw photos of the suspect circulating on social media and said the experience has caused her and other runners to consider changing their routes or schedules.
Police response
Capt. Smith confirmed the suspect faces charges that include terroristic threats, simple assault and related offenses. The police department’s intelligence unit has been assigned to the investigation, though it remains unclear whether the suspect’s actions were part of a broader social‑media trend.
After the series of threats, the suspect fled toward Suburban Station. So far, only one victim has come forward to identify the individual. Police are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.
Public safety reminder
Philadelphia officials remind residents to stay alert, report suspicious behavior promptly, and avoid confronting potentially dangerous individuals. The city continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
