Attack leaves Seattle 'superhero' with broken nose
Originally posted: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/113246859.html
During an interview on Monday, January 10, 2011, “Phoenix Jones” recounts the attack that left him with a broken nose. By Komo News
By Luke Duecy & KOMO Staff January 10, 2011
SEATTLE — Phoenix Jones calls himself a crime fighter.
He has a cape, a mask and a stun gun and he spends several nights each week patrolling Seattle and other areas trying to stop crime.
“I endanger my life with a reason and a purpose,” he says.
But over the weekend, a man held Phoenix at gunpoint and another broke his nose.
Police say enough is enough and that someone may end up getting killed.
“Don’t insert yourself into those situations,” Seattle Police Detective Mark Jamieson said in an interview last week. “If you see something, call 911.”
The attack happened near the intersection of 5th and James on Saturday night.
“They were all swearing at each other and like about to fight,” Phoenix said. So he stepped in to break up the brawl and one of the guys turned on him.
“He starts swinging on me and starts an altercation with me.”
Phoenix said he called 911, put one of the men in a headlock and waited for police. But seconds later, Phoenix said, another man pulled out a gun.
When he let go of the man he was holding, the man kicked Phoenix in the face, breaking his nose. Both men got away.
Phoenix said it was no big deal, but the attack is exactly what police were afraid was going to happen when Phoenix and his superhero cohorts started patrolling the city.
“They insert themselves into a potentially volatile situation and then they end up being victimized as well,” Jamieson said.
Police worry Phoenix’s recent taste of fame has pushed him to put himself in harm’s way. He has been featured on international news shows, and said he declined offers from the Discovery Channel, MTV and A&E to be in a reality TV series.
People on the street stop him and ask him for autographs, but Phoenix said that’s not what motivates him.
“I train for these situations,” he said. “I don’t just come out willy nilly and run out on the streets.”
But after looking down the barrel of a gun, police hope Phoenix stops before it’s too late.
Officials say it’s not illegal to dress up in costume and patrol, but with the stakes higher they’re asking the would-be superheros to just call 911.
He has a cape, a mask and a stun gun and he spends several nights each week patrolling Seattle and other areas trying to stop crime.
“I endanger my life with a reason and a purpose,” he says.
But over the weekend, a man held Phoenix at gunpoint and another broke his nose.
Police say enough is enough and that someone may end up getting killed.
“Don’t insert yourself into those situations,” Seattle Police Detective Mark Jamieson said in an interview last week. “If you see something, call 911.”
The attack happened near the intersection of 5th and James on Saturday night.
“They were all swearing at each other and like about to fight,” Phoenix said. So he stepped in to break up the brawl and one of the guys turned on him.
“He starts swinging on me and starts an altercation with me.”
Phoenix said he called 911, put one of the men in a headlock and waited for police. But seconds later, Phoenix said, another man pulled out a gun.
When he let go of the man he was holding, the man kicked Phoenix in the face, breaking his nose. Both men got away.
Phoenix said it was no big deal, but the attack is exactly what police were afraid was going to happen when Phoenix and his superhero cohorts started patrolling the city.
“They insert themselves into a potentially volatile situation and then they end up being victimized as well,” Jamieson said.
Police worry Phoenix’s recent taste of fame has pushed him to put himself in harm’s way. He has been featured on international news shows, and said he declined offers from the Discovery Channel, MTV and A&E to be in a reality TV series.
People on the street stop him and ask him for autographs, but Phoenix said that’s not what motivates him.
“I train for these situations,” he said. “I don’t just come out willy nilly and run out on the streets.”
But after looking down the barrel of a gun, police hope Phoenix stops before it’s too late.
Officials say it’s not illegal to dress up in costume and patrol, but with the stakes higher they’re asking the would-be superheros to just call 911.
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