Masked Man Filmed Himself Chasing Residents as Screaming Victims Begged for Help, Police Say

Philadelphia police are searching for a masked suspect accused of terrorizing pedestrians near City Hall, including allegedly chasing and assaulting a woman while wearing a doll-style mask.

Authorities said the man was spotted Wednesday in the area around City Hall, where he allegedly pursued several people and asked one woman if she was “ready to die,” according to FOX 29. Investigators said he later ran after a 40-year-old woman, making threatening remarks while keeping one hand tucked behind his back.

Police said the woman fell while trying to get away and suffered injuries during the incident.

After the confrontation, officials said the masked man left the scene and headed into a nearby train station.

Investigators described the suspect as a Black male, believed to be between 16 and 20 years old and about 5 feet 8 inches tall. Police said he was last seen wearing the white baby doll-style Halloween mask with black hair and carrying a black-and-blue plaid backpack.

Philadelphia Police Captain Jason Smith said the suspect “was able to accost a good many” people, adding that many potential victims or witnesses have not yet contacted authorities.

The man was seen on surveillance cameras running up to several people, and was refused service at a Dunkin Donuts because of his mask. He left the restaurant after showing erratic behavior.

One of the victims told police she was confronted twice and ran, “screaming for help this entire time.” Police say the masked man filmed himself with a cell phone during the incidents.

The suspect will likely be charged with felony terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault and reckless endangerment, police said.