A 22-year-old man accused of terrorizing Philadelphia residents while wearing a mask depicting Chucky, the fictional horror film character, has been apprehended in Las Vegas following a two-week manhunt.
Zimeer Hughes was located in an apartment in the southeastern part of the city and taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service. "Tonight brings an end to the fear that one individual imposed on the Philadelphia community," said Deputy Marshal Robert Clark. "Through the Chucky mask, he thought he could evade law enforcement. He was wrong."
According to authorities, Hughes allegedly threatened at least six people within approximately 15 minutes on August 12 near Philadelphia's City Hall. Video footage captured him pursuing a 40-year-old woman who was out jogging, with his hands concealed behind his back. Police say he asked her, "Are you ready to die?" The woman fell and sustained injuries while attempting to escape.
After police identified Hughes and issued an arrest warrant, he fled Philadelphia and made his way to Las Vegas on a route that included flights through New Jersey and Florida. Authorities tracked him for several days before locating the apartment where he was hiding.
Hughes faces charges including aggravated assault, terroristic threats, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner stated: "We take very seriously anyone who thinks it's funny or entertaining to terrorize and harass people."
