"Are you ready to die?": Young man in "Chucky" mask terrorized the streets of Philadelphia
The suspect, estimated to be 16–20 years old, was documented harassing at least six people near City Hall, likely filming his actions. One woman fled from him in panic and sustained a leg injury. Police have released his photos and are requesting public assistance in identifying him.
Philadelphia police are conducting a manhunt for a young man who was documented last Wednesday wearing a mask resembling the doll from the "Chucky" horror movie series, chasing and threatening passersby in the City Hall area, reports ABC News.
According to police, the events took place in the early morning hours of August 12 and lasted about 20 minutes. The suspect, estimated to be 16–20 years old, approached at least six people in downtown Philadelphia, attempting to scare or provoke them.
In one instance, captured by security cameras, the masked suspect approached a woman out for a run near City Hall. He held a phone in front of her and asked twice:
"Are you ready to die?"
The woman fled the scene while screaming for help and sustained a leg injury during her escape.
Philadelphia Police Commander Jason Smith stated that the suspect held his phone in front of those he approached and was likely filming the encounters. The police intelligence unit is currently investigating whether these actions were carried out as part of a social media trend.
Prior to the chase, the suspect entered a "Dunkin" branch while masked, but employees refused to serve him due to his erratic behavior. Later, he was filmed running toward people in several nearby locations, including a man wearing a reflective vest. Following the pursuit of the woman, he fled toward a nearby subway station.
Police stated that there is no evidence at this stage that the suspect was carrying a weapon. However, while threatening the woman, he kept one hand behind his back. The young man faces potential charges including threats, harassment, assault, and endangering human life.
Although police estimate the suspect approached at least six people, only one victim has filed a complaint so far. Investigators have released footage and photos showing part of the young man's face without the "Chucky" mask and are requesting the public's help in identifying and locating him.
