Real Life Superhero: Is Phoenix Jones Seattle's Batman?

When I was growing up, there was a 6-year-old kid in my neighborhood that liked to wear a brown cape and run around "fighting crime." He called himself "Moth Man," which in hindsight was actually pretty clever. However he didn't actually fight any crime. Instead, he mostly just chased after invisible villains and bugged the neighbors.

Now it seems that Seattle has its own version of the Moth Man, a "real life superhero" by the name of Phoenix Jones, who has been assisting police in fighting crime. Apparently Jones stopped a vehicle break-in in Lynnwood. However, Lynnwood police spokeswoman Shannon Sessions said that at this stage, there is no proof that a crime occurred and no police report has been filed. Lynnwood police have said that they haven't had any direct contact with Phoenix Jones.

According to a man in Washington state, his car was nearly broken into until a man in tights, a mask and a skin-tight superhero suit saved the day. It happened Sunday evening when the man, who declined to identify himself other than "Dan," was walking to his car when he saw a man with a metal strip, known as a "slim jim," trying to break into his car, according to CBS affiliate KIRO.

"From the right, this guy comes dashing in, wearing this skin-tight rubber, black and gold suit, and starts chasing him away," said Dan.

According to Yahoo!, "Phoenix Jones" andeight other members of the Rain City Superhero crime-fighting movement are patrolling the streets deterring and fighting crime. The real life superheroes carry tasers, mace, tear gas and nightsticks, as well as bullet-proof vests, "stab plates," and a "ballistic cup."

"So when I walk into a neighborhood, criminals leave because they see the suit," said Phoenix. "I symbolize that the average person doesn't have to walk around and see bad things and do nothing."

While this makes for some great entertainment, it doesn't mean that vigilante justice is a wise thing to get involved with. While a "superhero" will generally be protected if they stop a legitimate crime, they are taking a major risk of facing a civil suit and/or criminal charges if they make a mistake.

Related Resources:

• Fatal Flaws in Seattle's Costumed Superhero's Fight Against Crime (nymag.com)
• Costumed 'Superheroes' Fight Seattle Crime at Night (FindLaw's Legal Grounds)
• Shadowhare to the Rescue! Real Life "Superheroes" Try to Aid in Law Enforcement, but at What Risk? (FindLaw's Blotter)