Philadelphia Masked Suspect Arrested in Las Vegas: What We Know

The man accused of terrorizing pedestrians in Philadelphia while wearing a “Chucky-style” Halloween mask was arrested in Las Vegas on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Zymire Hughes, 22, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia branch and the USMS Nevada Violent Offender Task Force around 8 p.m. in Las Vegas. He is being held at the Clark County Detention Center as he awaits extradition back to Pennsylvania to face trial.

Hughes had been the subject of a manhunt since the early morning hours of August 12, when he allegedly confronted, chased, and threatened at least 15 to 16 people near Philadelphia’s City Hall and Center City district.

What Allegedly Happened in Philadelphia

According to police, Hughes was captured on surveillance video leaving his apartment on 23rd and Venango streets around 2:20 a.m. on August 12 and boarding a Route 33 bus to City Hall. The incidents reportedly began around 5 a.m. and continued for more than 30 minutes.

Police said Hughes, wearing a “distinctive Chucky doll Halloween-style face mask” — also described as a white baby-doll-style mask with black hair — approached multiple people in the area, attempting to harass and scare them while holding a cellphone to film the interactions.

The most serious encounter occurred around 5:33 a.m., when Hughes allegedly chased a female jogger near 15th and Market streets. According to Philadelphia Police Captain Jason Smith, Hughes “got in front of the woman while holding a phone and repeatedly asked her, ‘Are you ready to die?'” The victim ran away screaming for help, injuring her right hamstring and spine in the process.

Earlier that morning, police said Hughes also:

• Approached a man who was crouching with his hands up in a “pleading motion” on 10th and Chestnut streets
• Was refused service at a Dunkin’ location on 15th and Chestnut streets due to wearing the mask
• Chased a man wearing a reflective vest on 15th Street
• Was confronted by SEPTA police officers at Suburban Station, but removed the doll mask and reportedly attempted to conceal his identity with a black COVID-style mask underneath before evading officers

Arrest in Las Vegas

Authorities had previously indicated that Hughes had ties to California and Las Vegas, and may have left Pennsylvania before law enforcement publicly identified him.

The U.S. Marshals Service Nevada Violent Offender Task Force arrested Hughes at approximately 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25. He is currently being held in Clark County Detention Center awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

Charges and Legal Status

According to police and court records, Hughes faces charges including:

• Aggravated assault
• Terroristic threats
• Harassment
• Simple assault
• Intimidation
• Reckless endangerment

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said the charges include felony and misdemeanor counts, with the aggravated assault charge stemming from the jogger’s injury sustained while fleeing.

Hughes was reportedly already on probation for a crime in a nearby county prior to the August 12 incidents.

What We Know / What We Don’t Know

What We Know:

• Zymire Hughes, 22, was arrested in Las Vegas on August 25, 2026
• He is accused of terrorizing pedestrians in Philadelphia while wearing a Chucky-style mask
• The incidents occurred on the morning of August 12, 2026
• One female jogger was injured while fleeing from the suspect
• Hughes is being held at Clark County Detention Center awaiting extradition
• Charges include aggravated assault and terroristic threats
• The arrest was made by the U.S. Marshals Service

What We Don’t Know:

• The exact motive for the alleged incidents
• Whether the suspect has obtained legal representation
• When extradition to Pennsylvania will occur
• Whether additional victims will come forward
• The extent of the jogger’s injuries and recovery status

FAQ: Philadelphia Masked Suspect Arrested in Las Vegas

Who is the suspect arrested in Las Vegas?

Zymire Hughes, 22, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Las Vegas on August 25, 2026.

What was Hughes accused of doing in Philadelphia?

Hughes is accused of chasing, harassing, and threatening people in Philadelphia’s Center City while wearing a “Chucky-style” Halloween mask on August 12, 2026.

Did the suspect hurt anyone?

One victim, a female jogger, injured her leg while fleeing from the suspect after he allegedly asked her “Are you ready to die?”

What charges does Hughes face?

He faces charges including aggravated assault, terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault, and intimidation.

Where is Hughes now?

He is being held at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

When was the suspect arrested?

He was arrested around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The case continues to develop as authorities prepare for Hughes’ extradition to Pennsylvania. Philadelphia police and the District Attorney’s office have not released additional details about the investigation. Anyone with information about the incidents is encouraged to contact Philadelphia Police.