Philadelphia police seek Michael Thompson for assaulting jogger in mask

Police in Philadelphia are seeking a man who chased a woman near City Hall on Tuesday while wearing a Chucky‑style horror mask and making threatening comments. The suspect, identified as 32‑year‑old Michael Thompson, is wanted on an assault charge after the woman was punched and pushed to the ground. Footage from a security camera shows Thompson sprinting after the jogger, shouting, “I’ll get you.” He fled the scene in a black hoodie and was last seen heading south on Broad Street.

The incident has raised alarms in a city that has seen a spike in violent crimes this spring. City Hall is a high‑traffic area where commuters, tourists and protestors move daily. Masked attackers are rare, but the sight of a familiar horror character in a public space is unsettling. Thompson has a prior arrest record for aggravated assault, and police say he has a history of violent behavior. Authorities released a photo of the suspect and urged anyone who saw him or who knows his whereabouts to come forward. The city’s police department is already reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses.

City officials have called for public cooperation. They are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. Police will continue to canvass the area and cross‑reference CCTV footage from nearby businesses. If Thompson is located, he will face additional charges that could add years to his sentence. The city will hold a press briefing next week to update on the investigation and discuss measures to improve safety around City Hall. Residents are asked to report suspicious activity to 911 or to the Philadelphia Police Department’s tip line at 215‑555‑1234.