Seattle "superhero" Phoenix Jones unmasks himself in court as Ben Fodor
(CBS/KIRO/AP) SEATTLE - Seattle's self-proclaimed superhero, Phoenix Jones, entered a courtroom Thursday masked but was told he had to remove it during his appearance, where prosecutors said they hadn't yet decided whether to file charges against him in an alleged pepper spray attack.
Pictures: Phoenix Jones unmasked
Once the hearing was over, he put his mask back on, but when he went outside to meet with reporters, after a few comments, he dramatically took his mask off and told them his real name, Benjamin John Francis Fodor, reports CBS affiliate KIRO.
"I'm Phoenix Jones. I'm also Ben Fodor. I'm a father. I'm also a brother. I'm just like everyone else. The only difference is, I decided to make a difference and stop crime in my neighborhood and my area," said Fodor, reports the station.
Fodor was arrested early Sunday after police say he sprayed four people who had left a downtown nightclub. He said he was trying to break up a fight when he was attacked; the club-goers insisted to police they hadn't been fighting.
"The charges were false. The video shows that, the court hearing shows that. And I'm going to continue to do what I've always done and if you want to help me in any way, send me a message. Find me on Facebook," said Fodor, according to the station.
He invited the public to accompany him on a "patrol" in Seattle on Saturday at 10 p.m. and then in true superhero fashion, he signed off by saying, "I'll be on the streets."
Police spokesman Mark Jamieson reiterated Thursday that intervening in potentially dangerous situations should be left to professional officers.
"If people want to dress up and walk around, knock yourself out," he said. "Our concern is when you insert yourself into these situations without knowing the facts, it's just not a smart thing to do."
More on Crimesider
October 11, 2011 - Seattle "superhero" Phoenix Jones arrested for pepper-spray assault
January 5, 2011 - Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superhero Stops Wash. Car Theft
