A 22-year-old man accused of frightening and chasing pedestrians in Philadelphia while wearing a Chucky-style Halloween mask has been arrested in Las Vegas, authorities said.
Zymire Hughes was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service Nevada Violent Offender Task Force on Tuesday, Aug. 25, after investigators tracked him to an apartment in southeast Las Vegas. He is being held at the Clark County Detention Center while authorities work to return him to Philadelphia.
Woman Injured During Alleged Chase in Philadelphia
The case stems from an incident reported on Aug. 12 near Philadelphia’s City Hall. Police allege that Hughes approached and chased several pedestrians during a short period that morning while wearing a mask resembling the horror character Chucky.
Around 5:30 a.m., investigators say he pursued a 40-year-old woman who was jogging along JFK Boulevard. During the encounter, he allegedly held a cellphone toward her and made a threatening remark before she ran away.
The woman reportedly stumbled while trying to escape and suffered a serious leg injury. Police had also received reports that other pedestrians were approached or chased in the area.
Investigators later said Hughes appeared to be recording some of the encounters on his cellphone. Authorities suspected the incidents could have been connected to an attempt to create content for social media or potentially make money from videos.
Suspect Allegedly Fled Philadelphia Before Las Vegas Arrest
Police identified Hughes after investigating surveillance footage and other evidence. Authorities said he left Philadelphia on Aug. 19, traveling from New Jersey to Orlando before continuing to Las Vegas.
According to federal authorities, Hughes had been living in Las Vegas since February and initially stayed with his girlfriend after arriving back in the city. Following media coverage identifying him as a suspect, investigators believe he moved to an apartment in southeast Las Vegas, where he remained for about five days.
Marshals established surveillance around the location on Aug. 25 and arrested Hughes without incident.
Hughes is now awaiting extradition to Philadelphia, where he is expected to face charges related to the alleged incidents, including aggravated assault and terroristic threats. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
