Police: Man in creepy doll mask who has terrified Philly has ties to Las Vegas

Summer Lin Los Angeles Times August 21, 2026 - 8:13 am A man captured on video frightening a woman in Philadelphia has known connections to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, authorities said. Around 5:30 a.m. on August 12, the individual, wearing a disturbing white mask, pursued a 40‑year‑old female from City Hall through downtown Philadelphia. The suspect was later identified as 22‑year‑old Zymire Hughes. Police reported that Hughes allegedly made threatening remarks while keeping his hand lowered behind his back, causing the woman to fall and sustain injuries. He then fled to a City Center station of the city’s subway system. An active warrant for his arrest remains in effect, and investigators believe he may have left Pennsylvania, with ties to California and Nevada. Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith remarked, “He has a inclination to question backmost and distant to the West Coast, California, the L.A. area, but besides Las Vegas … for employment reasons,” according to a local outlet. The department is collaborating with the U.S. Marshals Service to locate Hughes. Earlier, police released still images and footage showing the suspect in a white mask, a blue backpack, and white clothing to aid identification.