Authorities in Philadelphia are on the hunt for a man suspected of assault who donned a doll mask during the attack. The incident has left residents shaken as police intensify their search for the elusive suspect.
Witnesses reported encountering the masked individual on a Wednesday near City Hall, where he allegedly approached a woman with threatening words, asking her if she was “ready to die.” As he pursued other individuals in the area, police informed FOX 29 that the suspect, cloaked in a doll mask, targeted a 40-year-old woman, chasing her while making menacing remarks and concealing his hand behind his back.
In her attempt to escape, the woman succumbed to a fall, sustaining injuries, according to police reports.
Described by Philadelphia police, the suspect was wearing a “white baby doll style Halloween mask with black hair” and was seen carrying a black-and-blue plaid backpack during his terrifying spree. (Philadelphia Police Department)
Following the series of unsettling events, the masked suspect reportedly fled the scene, making his getaway through a nearby train station.
Philadelphia police described the man as a Black male between 16 and 20 years old, 5’8″ and was wearing a “white baby doll style Halloween mask with black hair, and a black/blue plaid backpack.”
Philadelphia Police Captain Jason Smith said “He was able to accost a good many of people, most of which haven’t come forward yet.”
Surveillance footage shows the masked suspect allegedly chasing a woman on foot near City Hall before she fell and injured herself, police said. (Philadelphia Police Department)
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.
A masked man wanted for allegedly chasing and threatening people near Philadelphia’s City Hall is seen on surveillance video wearing a cracked baby doll Halloween mask. (Philadelphia Police Department)
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.
An overhead surveillance camera captures the suspect’s blue plaid backpack and hooded sweatshirt as he moves through an indoor location. (Philadelphia Police Department)
The suspect will likely be charged with felony terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault and reckless endangerment, police said.