A vigilante who dresses up as a superhero to fight crime in Seattle has been unmasked in court.
In a case that echoes hit Hollywood film Kick Ass, self-styled superhero Phoenix Jones – real name Benjamin Fodor – was called into court over an alleged pepper spray attack.
During the hearing, a court officer apparently asked Fodor to remove his superhero mask. Fodor apparently complied. However, when the hearing closed, he is said to have ripped off his shirt to expose his signature black and gold superhero costume.
The 23-year old, part of the Rain City Superhero Movement, is accused of attacking four people outside a Seattle nightclub. Fodor insisted he was trying to break up a fight, but the clubgoers told police they had not been fighting.
Prosecutors told the judge that they needed more time to decide whether to file charges against Fodor.
The ‘masked avenger’ told reporters outside the court that he would continue to fight crime.
“I will continue to patrol with my team, probably tonight,” he said.
“In addition to being Phoenix Jones, I am also Ben Fodor, father and brother. I am just like everybody else. The only difference is that I try to stop crime in my neighbourhood and everywhere else.”
Seattle Police spokesman Mark Jamieson commented: “If people want to dress up and walk around, knock yourself out.
“Our concern is when you insert yourself into these situations without knowing the facts, it’s just not a smart thing to do.
