Phoenix-Jones_instudio.jpg
Phoenix Jones says police took his original suit, shown here in an appearance on 97.3 KIRO FM's John Curley Show. (97.3 KIRO FM/file)

Seattle superhero arrested for pepper-spraying four people

BY Chris Sullivan  on October 10, 2011 @ 5:42 am (Updated: 7:06 am - 10/11/11 )

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A self-proclaimed Seattle superhero was arrested over the weekend after police say he pepper-sprayed a group of people walking from a bar.

"They took my suit, they took my body armor, they took my gloves, they took everything from me. They said it was evidence in the crime. They took my pepper spray, which I understand," Phoenix Jones told 97.3 KIRO FM's Ron and Don Show.

But Jones, 23-year-old man who dresses like a superhero, assured the public: "I got a new super suit. I should be on patrol tonight!"

Phoenix Jones shows The John Curley Show new super suit:

Jones has released video of the confrontation in downtown Seattle. He claims he saved a man who was the victim of a hit and run.

Seattle police say Jones pepper-sprayed four people who were simply walking down the street. He was arrested and booked on four counts of misdemeanor assault early Sunday and released from the King County Jail Sunday afternoon. The City Attorney's office says he has a court appearance set for Thursday morning.

Jones would not talk about the charges, only to say "preparation is the key to everything. I'm very organized. We had a contingency plan if I was ever arrested."

In the video posted on his Facebook page, Jones was hit several times by a woman with a shoe. Why is a so-called superhero not able to defend himself against a woman with a shoe?

"I'm not going to pepper spray a woman no matter how many times she hits me. I'm just not going to," Jones said. "That was the hardest part, but I have a very firm belief in what is right and what's wrong."

So far, Jones said the Seattle Police Department has been very accommodating with his "career" choice, but a few officers have a problem with him.

"It just so happened I ran into one of those officers."

Jones, who claims to run with an entourage of at least a dozen people, some masked, has not officially released his identity.

In an interview last month with John Curley, Jones explained why he's willing to put himself in harm's way.

"If someone gets hurt, it probably should be me, rather than the average person. All of us are wearing bullet proofs, all of us have taken some sort of self defense training class. We all call 911 the minute the crime happens," he said.

Listen to the interview with John Curley

WARNING: Video contains offensive language.

Phoenix Jones Stops Assault from Ryan McNamee on Vimeo.

Chris Sullivan, KIRO Radio Reporter
Chris loves the rush of covering breaking news and works hard to try to make sense of it all while telling stories about real people in extraordinary circumstances.
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Comments (46)


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  • DesertRez wrote...
    What he really needs
    October 10, 2011 10:41 am
    Is a sidekick to watch his back. I vote for Artimus because it already sounds like a good superhero name. Your superhero powers could be that you only fight well after ingesting large amounts of beer...a la the drunken master of Japanese flick fame.
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  • Scoutem wrote...
    What a Joke
    October 10, 2011 10:42 am
    That video had ran for almost 20 minutes before a Cruiser was spotted. No matter what the video showed, the caller stated a huge fight, people just hitting everyone. After Fat Tuesday events several years ago, I can't believe I could be getting my butt kicked for over 20 minutes before any help arrives. In downtown Seattle! That point right there tells me we need more people like this Jones guy. And yes ever since SPD has had to lower their standards on who they take in as new officers they continue to lose credibility and gain mistrust. Too many adreniline (sp) junkies, way too much attitude right out of the box. I have only had 2 run ins with police in the last 5 years. Both times they escaladed the issue with their attitude's swearing and being overly aggresive. Don't see that with state patrol, why? They never have had to lower their standards.
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  • BigBlackGuy wrote...
    Double Standard!
    October 10, 2011 11:17 am
    Over the years I've seen clubs closed down because of violence, and many times it's starts with the drunk jealous girlfriend or wife. Who gets drunk and hates everything and everybody, than her man reacts and all hell breaks loose. However, the instigating female always seems to walk away free of charges. For example, why is the superhero facing charges. Look at the out of control females beating on everyone. Isn't that assault and battery, in the first and second degree. Where are the arrest?
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  • Scoutem wrote...
    BBG
    October 10, 2011 11:27 am
    Totally agree with you,I was wondering tghat as well. They get all the free drinks from us hard working guys. Then can't handle their alchohol and cause lots of issues. Aah the good O'l days. Thank god I don't go downtown anymore these days.
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  • northwestie wrote...
    Sad state of security downtown, wow...
    October 10, 2011 11:36 am
    That is one sad state of security downtown. For a place that is so full of people, how could a response from police take so long? I understand maybe in the middle of the woods taking that long to respond, but not downtown. Did I hear that officer correctly saying he wanted to arrest them all for these games? haha. Since when is calling 911 for help a game? I'll have to listen again to see if i heard that wrong, someone correct me if i did.
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  • ryanmopar wrote...
    SPD is a joke!
    October 10, 2011 11:37 am
    SPD has to be one of the worst departments in the country right now, and maybe even the western world. I think its time for some serious house cleaning. Everyone Sargent and above should be fired and replaced! What a joke!
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  • It's me! Ha ha! wrote...
    Superhero or superidiot?
    October 10, 2011 12:12 pm
    He peppersrayed people walking down the street who were laughing at him and his costume? Is that the story?

    He would have expelled his whole canister of pepper spray on me had I encounterd him walking down the street.

    Come to think about it, that would make a great Halloween costume. Where does one get one?

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  • Dalamar437 wrote...
    Thanks Phoenix Jones!
    October 10, 2011 12:42 pm
    for stepping in where others won't. Keep it up man! I hope there are more people like you somewhere in the world. I hope a few more superheros show up to help with the increased gang activity all over Seattle. I only suggest one other tactic... Apprehend the criminals, cuff them to a pole, leave the camera footage of their crime, call the cops to pick them up and disappear from the scene. They'll never say it publicly but they'll appreciate the help.
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  • BikeNazi wrote...
    I heard this guy on Curley's show a couple of weeks ago
    October 10, 2011 12:53 pm
    And I think what he does is great. He wears a superhero costume so that he stands out as someone who is there to help. The first call he makes is always to the police and he stays to make sure no one else gets hurt until the cops or an ambulance shows up. He documents what he does with the video camera and keeps the pepper spray on him in case things get out of control and drunk women start beating on him. Just look up his other videos on Youtube.

    I think it's too bad he was arrested but the cops only know what's going on at the time they arrive and a dude in a superhero costume with a can of mace looks pretty suspicious. Hopefully the video will have all charges dismissed and Phoenix Jones will continue to be the Seattle superhero. Good on him.

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  • trainer jon wrote...
    "We're tired of this game" ??
    October 10, 2011 1:55 pm
    What game were they talking about? Actuall helping people and stopping crime? He is doing a great thing. If the only the accomplishes is to make people more aware that they can actually make a difference, then he has WON. Anyone can make an impact. All they have to do is do something about it. Free Phoenix Jones!
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