Police say the unidentified suspect confronted several people near City Hall while wearing a distinctive Halloween-style mask and carrying a cellphone.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia police are searching for a masked man accused of threatening and chasing people around Center City during a series of early-morning encounters near City Hall on Aug. 12, including an incident in which a jogger was asked whether she was “ready to die.”
Investigators said the encounters began around 5:18 a.m. near 15th and Chestnut streets and continued for roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Surveillance cameras captured the man approaching several people at locations around City Hall, Market Street and South Penn Square. Police believe at least six people may have been confronted, although only some have spoken with investigators or news organizations.
Police Capt. Jason Smith said the man appeared to target whoever crossed his path, including both men and women. Investigators described him as a Black male with a medium complexion and thin build, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and believed to be between 16 and 20 years old. He was wearing a distinctive “Chucky doll” Halloween-style mask and was seen carrying a cellphone during the encounters.
Police said the suspect entered a Dunkin location in the 1500 block of Chestnut Street around 5:20 a.m. and was refused service because of the mask. Surveillance footage later showed him running toward or after pedestrians in several nearby locations. Investigators said he appeared to be recording some of the encounters on his phone, prompting police to search social media for possible videos that could help identify him.
One of the most serious encounters involved a woman jogging near City Hall around 5:30 a.m. Police said the man approached her while holding his cellphone and asked, “Are you ready to die?” The woman ran and screamed for help as the man chased her. Authorities said she injured her leg while fleeing. The suspect eventually stopped the pursuit and headed north on 15th Street before using the escalators at Suburban Station.
Another woman, identified publicly only as Jameka, told WPVI that she noticed the masked man approaching the jogger and tried to warn the woman that someone was behind her. Jameka said she later saw the man attempt to enter a La Colombe coffee shop before he turned his attention toward her. She said she confronted him and kicked him in the chest after he approached her, and he then ran away.
People working in the area have also described growing concern about the encounters. Kate Egan told WPVI that one of her coworkers had been confronted before a security guard intervened. Egan said the incidents were unsettling for people simply trying to get to work. Police have not publicly identified the suspect or established a motive for his behavior.
Investigators said no weapon was seen, although police said the man at one point kept one hand behind his back while approaching a woman, creating the impression that he might be armed. Authorities said they are not aware of evidence showing that he actually had a weapon. Police also said they do not yet know whether the Aug. 12 encounters were isolated or whether the same person has been involved in other incidents.
Police have released surveillance images and video as they work to identify the man. Smith said that if the suspect is apprehended, investigators expect charges that could include terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and intimidation. Authorities have asked other people who believe they encountered the same person to contact Philadelphia police as the investigation continues.
Author note: Last updated August 18, 2026.