Real-Life Superhero Fights Crime on Seattle Streets

Originally posted: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpps/news/offbeat/real-life-superhero-phoenix-jones-fights-crime-on-seattle-streets-dpgonc-20110105-fc_11309322
Updated: Wednesday, 05 Jan 2011, 8:33 AM CST
Published : Wednesday, 05 Jan 2011, 8:33 AM CST
(NewsCore) – A self-styled superhero was protecting the streets of Seattle on Tuesday night — launched from his secret base at the back of a comic book store.
The masked man, who calls himself Phoenix Jones, came to light after he stopped thieves from stealing a man’s car in Lynnwood, a suburb of Seattle, on Sunday night, local media reported.
Jones, who wears a bulletproof and stab-proof black-and-gold bodysuit, rescued a driver who only wanted to be known as Dan.
Dan went to call 911 when he saw thieves putting a metal strip down the window of his car — but before he had the chance to dial the number, Jones sprang into action.
“From the right, this guy comes dashing in, wearing this skintight, rubber, black-and-gold suit, and starts chasing him away,” Dan told local TV news station KIRO.
Jones told KIRO that he began his crime-fighting crusade nine months ago from his secret base at the back of a local comic store.
“When I walk into a neighborhood, criminals leave because they see the suit,” said Jones. “I symbolize that the average person doesn’t have to walk around and see bad things and do nothing.”
Jones, who carries Mace and a Taser, said he was stabbed once and had a gun pulled on him several times during his regular patrols but so far sustained no serious injuries.
His story mirrors the plot of the 2010 film “Kick-Ass,” which follows a high school student who turns himself into a superhero even though he has no powers or training.
Source: KIRO-TV