A Philadelphia man accused of threatening pedestrians near City Hall while wearing a Chucky-style mask has been ordered to stand trial on aggravated assault and related charges.
Zymire Hughes, 22, appeared before a judge on Tuesday as the alleged victim gave evidence in court for the first time. Judge Karen Simmons dismissed two charges but ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence for the remaining counts to proceed.
Masked attack near Philadelphia City Hall
The case concerns an alleged encounter on 12 August near Dilworth Park, at the junction of John F Kennedy Boulevard and 15th Street. Prosecutors say Hughes approached a woman who was out jogging in the early hours while wearing a Halloween-style mask and keeping one hand behind his back.
The woman told the court that Hughes asked: “Are you ready to die?” She said she tried to reach a passer-by for help before he moved in front of her and began chasing her.
She described screaming and running away in fear. During the escape, she tore her hamstring and was later admitted to hospital for two days, she told the hearing. She remained on bed rest for two weeks and is continuing to undergo physical therapy.
A video compilation shown in court was said to track Hughes’s movements that morning. It showed him leaving an apartment on West Venango Street, boarding a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority bus at about 2.30am and later arriving at City Hall.
A SEPTA police officer told the court that Hughes had previously been asked to remove his mask at Suburban Station. He lifted it only a few inches before pulling it back down, the officer said.
Charges proceed towards trial
Hughes’s lawyer argued that there was not enough evidence to show he intended to cause serious injury and asked for the aggravated assault charge to be dismissed. Judge Simmons rejected the request.
The charges continuing against Hughes include aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime, terroristic threats, simple assault, reckless endangerment and harassment. The judge dismissed allegations of disorderly conduct and flight to avoid apprehension.
The victim was one of four witnesses called by prosecutors. The SEPTA officer also described previous contact with Hughes between 2023 and 2024, including an investigation involving masked men allegedly terrorising passengers on a train.
Hughes was arrested by US marshals in Nevada on 25 August, six days after authorities said he had left Philadelphia. He was later returned to the city to face the charges.
He did not speak during Tuesday’s hearing, and no possible motive was discussed in court. His next appearance is scheduled for 6 October.
