#ManInTree is a ‘pretty decent guy,’ Seattle superhero says
Mar 24, 2016, 8:04 AM | Updated: 12:01 pm
The man in the tree who caught the nation's attention this week is known around Seattle. (AP)
(AP)
Before he became the #ManInTree, the man who caught the nation’s attention by sitting in an 80-foot sequoia for more than 24 hours was known for relaxing elsewhere in Seattle.
For instance, one Instagram photo shows the man sitting on a piece of a sectional couch with his feet resting on a fire hydrant.
The man, whose name has not been confirmed by law enforcement, is somewhat well-known. Phoenix Jones, Seattle’s self-proclaimed superhero, told KIRO Radio’s Jason Rantz the man formerly in a tree is often seen in downtown Seattle, including on 1st Avenue.
Jones says the man does tend to bother people as they walk by, but that he isn’t a bad person.
“Overall, he’s a pretty decent guy,” Jones told Rantz.
The superhero, who tackles the city’s crime with his own style of vigilante justice, says being “aggressive” toward the man doesn’t work. Instead, it’s better to just offer him a cigarette, and maybe some food and beer, and ask him to move on. Jones argues if Seattle police had done just that, they could have coerced the man from the tree much quicker.
Listen to Rantz’ entire conversation with Phoenix Jones
The man made national headlines for climbing the tree around 11 a.m. on March 22 and scaling down just before noon on March 23. The incident became quite the spectacle but ended peacefully. KIRO Radio’s Josh Kerns reported that the man sat next to a tree for a few minutes before police approached him and placed him on a gurney. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center.
The Seattle Times reports the man had a short mental-health evaluation. He was then booked into King County Jail. A judge will determine if the man can be held on a misdemeanor charge of malicious mischief, the Times reports.
The Times reports one officer was injured during the long standoff. The officer’s ear was cut by a pine cone.
-
Tune in to Seattle Red AM 770 weekdays at 3-7pm to The Jason Rantz Show.
