Masked man wanted for terrorizing Philadelphians captured in Las Vegas
PHILADELPHIA -- The suspect accused of terrorizing Philadelphia residents while wearing a creepy mask has been arrested in Nevada, authorities announced Tuesday.
Zymire Hughes, 22, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service Nevada Violent Offender Task Force at about 8 p.m. in Las Vegas, according to police. He is being held at the Clark County Detention Center pending extradition to Pennsylvania.
Investigators say Hughes chased and harassed people in Center City during the early morning hours of Aug. 15. Police believe he may have been motivated by a desire for social media attention.
(The video in the player above is from previous coverage.)
Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith said Hughes encountered as many as 15 or 16 people that morning.
In several incidents, police said Hughes approached victims while wearing what authorities described as a "distinctive Chucky doll-style Halloween mask."
The first reported encounter occurred around 5:01 a.m. near 10th and Chestnut streets.
READ MORE | 'Who's scared now?': Manhunt for masked man accused of terrorizing people in Philadelphia
Police said the incidents culminated near City Hall and SEPTA's Suburban Station shortly before 6 a.m.
According to investigators, Hughes approached a woman who was jogging near City Hall and asked her, "Are you ready to die?"
Police said the woman ran away screaming for help and seriously injured her leg while trying to escape.
"It's going to require extensive medical treatment, from what I understand, in order to treat the injuries that she has sustained," Smith said last week.
WATCH: New videos show suspect wanted for terrorizing Philly residents
Surveillance video shows Hughes entering Suburban Station around 5:35 a.m., where SEPTA police reportedly asked him to remove the mask. Investigators said he attempted to conceal his identity while moving through the station.
Police said Hughes continued trying to frighten people before evading officers. Authorities believe he boarded a Route 33 bus at about 5:59 a.m. and traveled to the area of 23rd and Venango streets, where he reportedly lives.
Officials said Hughes also has ties to California and Las Vegas because of employment.
Police have said Hughes is wanted on charges including terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault and intimidation.
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
