Fugitive Accused of Terrorizing Philadelphia in Chucky Mask Arrested in Las Vegas

Federal authorities have captured a fugitive accused of terrorizing residents in Philadelphia while wearing a mask resembling the horror film character Chucky. Zymire Hughes was taken into custody Tuesday night, August 26, 2026, by the United States Marshals Service at an apartment complex in southeast Las Vegas.

The arrest concluded a multi-state search that began after Philadelphia police issued a warrant for Hughes on August 19, 2026. The warrant charged him with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and simple assault stemming from incidents in the city's Center City district.

According to law enforcement, Hughes allegedly donned a mask styled after the fictional killer doll and frightened multiple victims in Philadelphia. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Hughes pursuing a jogger while wearing the disturbing disguise, authorities said.

After Philadelphia police identified Hughes as a suspect, he fled the area and traveled to Las Vegas, where investigators determined he had connections. The United States Marshals Service tracked him to an apartment complex in the southeastern section of the city.

Federal officers conducted surveillance operations within the complex to pinpoint Hughes's location before moving in to make the arrest. The apprehension occurred without incident, according to authorities.

The U.S. Marshals Service shared a photograph on social media platform X showing two officers escorting Hughes into custody. Hughes is currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas as he awaits extradition proceedings to return him to Pennsylvania to face the pending charges.

The case highlights the reach of federal law enforcement in tracking fugitives across state lines. The United States Marshals Service maintains jurisdiction over fugitive apprehension and frequently assists local police departments in locating suspects who have fled their jurisdictions.