Tag pepper spray

Originally posted: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/phoenix-jones-real-life-seattle-superhero-arrested-for-pepper-spray-assault/2011/10/11/gIQAY1oTcL_blog.html
By Elizabeth Flock

Masked crusader Phoenix Jones, who says he often patrols the streets of Seattle in a superhero suit to stop crime, may have accidentally gotten involved in a crime.
In a situation almost straight out of the movie “Kick-Ass,” Jones is fighting an assault charge for allegedly spraying pepper spray on people, who he says were fighting. Seattle police say the people were dancing.
Jones is out of jail after being held Sunday night.
“Just because he’s dressed up in costume, it doesn’t mean he’s in special consideration or above the law,” Seattle police spokesman Det. Mark Jamieson said of the incident. “You can’t go around pepper spraying people because you think they are fighting.”
Jones, who has been unmasked by police as Benjamin Francis, insists he “witnessed a hit-and-run/attempted murder of a man and he responded to stop it,” according to a Facebook post.
Jones has posted this video as proof that a crime had taken place, though the video is shaky and unclear. In the video, it appears Jones and his sidekick, known as Ghost, run toward a group of people and try to break them up. A woman is then seen running after Jones and hitting him with her shoe. A BMW car appears, almost hits an unidentified man, and a person with Jones says to call 911 to report a hit-and-run.
In an interview with local station 97.3 FM, the woman who hits Jones with her shoe says she didn’t need the help.
Jones was wearing a black and gold superhero costume and a bullet-proof vest, and carrying two cans of pepper spray when police arrived at the scene.
Police took the suit, boots and mask from him, but Jones says he has a backup suit.
Jones is married to a woman he calls PurpleReign, another masked vigilante.
He is also the leader of the Rain City Superhero Movement, a group of self-proclaimed superheroes that has previously been credited with preventing a carjacking. Watch the report from that carjacking below:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AANmw2Oiyg

Originally posted: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Seattle-police-arrest-superhero-Phoenix-Jones-2210657.php
By CASEY McNERTHNEY, SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF
The man known as Phoenix Jones Guardian of Seattle, the self-proclaimed Seattle “superhero” who has received international media attention, was arrested and booked into King County Jail early Sunday morning for investigation of assault.
Shortly after 2:30 a.m., police were called to First Avenue and Columbia Street after an alleged assault with pepper spray. A group of men and women had left a club, were walking to their car and were “dancing and having a good time,” Seattle Police Det. Jeff Kappel said in a statement.
“An unknown adult male suspect came up from behind and pepper sprayed the group,” Kappel’s statement said. “Two men in the group chased after the suspect. Responding officers arrived on scene and separated the involved parties.”
The 23-year-old man arrested is the man previously identified by police as Phoenix Jones Guardian of Seattle. He was booked into jail shortly after 5 a.m. and released on bond about 12:45 p.m. Sunday, jail records show.
Jones is not the man’s real name. Seattlepi.com does not normally identify suspects in criminal cases until they’ve been formally charged by a prosecuting attorney’s office.
He’s expected to have a Thursday morning arraignment, where a plea would be entered. Police say the case involves four victims.
Other than the Sunday incident, the man known as Phoenix Jones doesn’t have a criminal history in Seattle Municipal Court. However, court records show he previously was arrested outside Seattle after being stopped for driving with a suspended license.
A spokesman for Phoenix Jones, Peter Tangen, told Publicola that a video of the incident tells a different story and that the self-proclaimed superhero was trying to break up a fight. He did not provide Publicola with a copy of the video.
“It’ll be interesting what [police] have to say when the video comes out,” Tangen told the site. “I’m very sure it’s going to show a different story than what police are saying.”
Police spokespersons on Sunday didn’t comment specifically on Jones’ behavior, other than Kappel’s statement which didn’t name him, though previously they’ve said self-proclaimed superheroes interjecting themselves into disputes could create problems.
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Originally posted: http://www.king5.com/news/local/Real-Life-Superheroes-Hit-Seattle-Streets-109317779.html

SEATTLE — They are a group of costumed and caped do-gooders out to fight crime, and now they’re on the streets of Seattle.
A handful of men and women say they’re part of a national group of “Real Life Superheroes” and locally they call themselves the Rain City Movement.
Their website says they embody the values presented in super heroic comic books. Now they’ve organized here and are patrolling Seattle streets at night.
But, police say these superheroes could cause harm. They carry Tasers, nightsticks and pepper spray, but they don’t carry guns.
At a Capitol Hill gas station last week, a bystander mistook a masked superhero for a masked robber. Police warn someone could get hurt.
“If you want to dress up as a superhero that’s great. Go to the conventions.” said Mark Jamieson, spokesman for the Seattle Police Department.

While I continue to patrol, hopefully inspire, and help organize the hero movement, I think it’s important to share updates on how my rig is progressing.  Every little thing seems to take so much focus; from the Citizen Prime logo to the under armour to the actual armor.  I think I have my logo exactly as I want it and I have to thank one of my fellow superheroes, Kampfhund, for his invaluable partnership in co-creating this iconic image with me.  I posted this image of my symbol on the Under Armour that I will wear as part of my rig.  I have my boots and greaves taken care of.  I went with a athletic boot and greaves model, instead of just boots to afford me a maximum ability when out on the street. The chest, back, thigh, and shoulder armor is all being simultaneously constructed as is the leather/steel helmet and protective gauntlet/gloves.  I am choosing to add a cape, however, I am designing it in such a way as to keep it out of my way, when necessary, and allow me to use it for concealment or additional protection when required, as well.  My utility belt, while I have been playing it loose and fast up till now, will undergo a legal review to see what is legal to carry in my state and city of Phoenix, Arizona.  Without being too specific, I currently carry one set of handcuffs, a “bunch” of a Ziploc ties for various purposes, cell phone, passport (better than a driver’s license, in case I get overpowered and bad guys take it – no address and if I report it lost its basically useless for travel), cell phone, an ARMA 100, stun gun, pepper spray, video camera, lighting, and 20 bucks.  I also carry my license in my car as well as many other things but those are the mainstays on my “utility belt”
In my new image I maintained the January 5 deadline for the launch of Citizen Prime.  I still think that’s a realistic goal.  Until then, I’ll continue to patrol, inspire people where and how I can through medium and continue to play whatever part I can in organizing the community, and providing resources for other heroes, if I am able.
So, to those who have gone before me and to those who will follow after, I say this.  Heroes and superheroes are real and they patrol the streets of our fair cities.  They come in all shapes, sizes and demeanors but the one thing they have in common, is the need to help.  I salute those who are currently out there.  And I ask those who have not yet made “the leap” to consider all the options available to you as a private citizen to help take back the streets of your city, your neighborhood, your world.  Join hands with your family, your friends, your community and if everyone who considers this only takes back their street or their block from the bad element, what a safer and more joyful world it would be for the kids on that street and for the people on that block to live in.
Superheroes exist.  The dawn of a new age is upon us.  Be prepared to be amazed.
 

What is Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray is a nonlethal aerosol spray made with the pepper derivative oleorsein capiscum (or OC). It is used to cause temporary blindness and incapacitate an attacker. You should only use pepper spray if you are threatened or your life is in danger. It is a crime to use pepper spray to commit malicious acts.
 
A steady burst of 3-5 seconds will turn almost any attacker, no matter how “tough”, into a blind crybaby, and allow you to either escape, or take control of the situation. Some brands of pepper spray will also leave an invisible chemical on the attacker which will help the Police identify them.
Before you buy a container of Pepper Spray, always look at the expiration date. You will need to buy a new can when it expires. Most brands last for about 2 years.

How does pepper spray work?
 
Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent. When the spray comes into contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat and lungs), it causes immediate dilation of the capillaries. Temporary blindness and instant inflammation of the nose, throat and lungs will occur immediately after the spray comes into contact with the mucous membranes. The attacker will experience difficulty breathing, coughing, choking, sneezing, severe burning sensations to the eyes, nose, throat and skin, and nausea.
The inflammation will last anywhere from 15 minutes to approximately one hour.

Is Pepper Spray Legal?
 
Pepper spray is legal in all 50 States in the U.S. However, possession and/or use may be regulated or prohibited by law in some jurisdictions including your city or town. If you are not 100% sure that pepper spray is legal to use and carry in your locale, check with your local Police department.

Where is Pepper Spray Prohibited?
 
You cannot carry pepper spray on board a commercial aircraft. If you do, you can be charged with a Federal Crime and a $25,000 dollar fine. You may not be allowed to carry pepper spray into Federal buildings and State buildings, if in doubt…leave it at home.

Various Pepper Spray State Restrictions:
NEW YORK – New York residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists in that state.
MASSACHUSETTS – Massachusetts residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers in that state.
MICHIGAN – Pepper Spray can be no stronger then a 2% concentration of OC (see top of this article).
WISCONSIN – Pepper Spray can be no stronger then a 10% concentration of OC. Can must be between 15-60 grams only. The bottle must also have a “safety” which locks into place.