Woman on an Early Morning Jog in Philadelphia Says a Masked Man Asked Her, ‘Are You Ready to Die?’ Cops Say She’s Not the Only One

A woman taking an early morning jog near Philadelphia City Hall reportedly encountered a man wearing a “Chucky-style mask” who she alleges chased her and asked, “Are you ready to die?” Police say she was one of at least six people the suspect confronted during a series of encounters in Center City.

Philadelphia police are searching for the man, who they say targeted both men and women during the incidents on Aug. 12, 2026. Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith described the mask as a “distinctive Chucky doll Halloween-style face mask” during a Monday briefing, according to WPVI-TV.

Police said the encounters began around 5:18 a.m. near 15th and Chestnut streets. Smith said the suspect approached multiple people while apparently using his cellphone to record the encounters.

The Man’s Movements Are Captured on Surveillance Video.

About two minutes later, police said, the masked man entered a Dunkin’ on the 1500 block of Chestnut Street. Employees refused to serve him because he was wearing the mask, Smith said, according to CBS Philadelphia.

The suspect then returned to the street, where police said he continued approaching people. Smith said the man chased a male pedestrian wearing a reflective vest before approaching the female jogger near 15th and Market streets. Surveillance video released by police shows the suspect following the woman as she runs.

“He was holding his cellphone in front of her, at which point he asked her, ‘Are you ready to die?’” Smith said, according to WPVI. The woman ran away while screaming for help. Smith said she injured her leg during the encounter. The suspect eventually stopped chasing her and headed toward Suburban Station, according to police.

Another Jogger Fought Back.

Another woman, Jameka, who asked WPVI not to publish her last name, said she saw the suspect approaching the jogger and tried to warn her. She told WPVI, “Hey, there’s someone behind you, look behind you.” The runner heard the warning and began running, Jameka said.

Jameka then encountered the suspect herself after he allegedly tried to enter a La Colombe coffee shop. She told WPVI that she kicked him in the chest after he approached her. “I was going to fight,” Jameka told the station.

She said the man appeared disoriented and that she did not understand what he wanted. Another woman who works at the coffee shop also spoke with WPVI about the incident. The encounters have raised concerns among people who work and travel through Center City during the early morning hours. Police have not said the suspect had a known connection to the victims.

Smith said investigators have not determined whether the incidents were connected to a social media trend, according to CBS Philadelphia. Authorities said the suspect is wanted on charges that include terroristic threats, simple assault and other offenses. Police have asked anyone who believes they encountered the man to contact investigators.

Smith said police currently know of incidents involving at least six people, but he urged anyone else who may have been targeted to come forward. Police described the suspect as a Black male between 16 and 20 years old.

Authorities have released images of him wearing the distinctive mask and are asking the public for information that could help identify him. As of Aug. 18, police had not announced an arrest. The investigation remains active.

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