From Gotham City to Seattle. In Search of the Bat Signal
This past week, a Seattle area resident found someone trying to break into his car, when out of nowhere, a man dressed in a superhero costume came on the scene and chased the would-be robber.
Seattle Police report that a group of superheroes has taken to the streets of Seattle, fighting crime in full costume. This group of caped crusaders call themselves the Rain City Super Hero Movement, which is part of a nationwide group of crime fighters.
“Come on, Robin, to the Bat Cave! There’s not a moment to lose!” – Batman
Investigators have found the group consists of 10 vigilantes who are dressed in costume and patrol the streets after dark. The main leader of the group is Phoenix Jones, who calls himself the guardian of Seattle. Mr. Jones, who is 22, wears a black outfit complete with a cape, black fedora, blue tights and a mask. Police were told that the caped crusader also wears body armor, a ballistic vest, and trauma plates on his arms and legs. While he does not carry a gun, he does sport a Taser, net gun and grappling hook. It’s a good thing too, the superheroes have been shot at and stabbed more than once.
So far, law enforcement is perplexed. Detective Mark Jamieson said, “Our concern is if goes badly, then we end up getting called anyway, and we may have additional victims.” While it is not illegal to dress up as a superhero, police feel they may get excessive 911 calls when residents may confuse the superheroes for the bad guys. Police also contend that vigilantism has led to suspects being released because the superheroes refuse to identify themselves.