Actress Uses Stage Combat Skills to Fight Off Masked Attacker

A Philadelphia woman's unexpected encounter saw her art school training become a vital defense mechanism. Jameka Wilson, a 25-year-old actress, was pursued by a man in a 'Chucky' mask while heading to an early morning workout class on Wednesday, August 12. After a brief chase, Wilson decided to confront her attacker. Her background in stage combat, honed at the University of the Arts, provided her with the skills to understand and counter the assault. Wilson described how her training taught her to anticipate an attacker's moves and react safely.

The masked man initially targeted another woman before shifting his attention to Wilson. She managed to escape after turning to fight. The suspect has been identified by police as 22-year-old Zymire Hughes, for whom an active arrest warrant is in place. Authorities believe Hughes may have fled Pennsylvania. Earlier that morning, Hughes was reportedly near City Hall, making threatening remarks to other individuals and chasing a woman. He was also refused service at a Dunkin' due to his mask and erratic behavior, according to police.