Seattle superheroes warn: Attacks could happen to anyone
SEATTLE - The Emerald City's self-proclaimed crime-fighting superheroes are warning the public after recent attacks on women in North Seattle.
The incidents happened just days apart and police still don't know if the crimes are connected.
But the series of assaults has many people concerned and aware. Some say they are so alarmed about what's going on they decided not to run in the area.
At Green Lake, many come to enjoy the outdoors and relax. But the recent attacks in the area have people on alert.
"That just seems weird because this is like a recreational facility. So why should you have to be scared?" says park visitor Miharu Yamauchi.
In four days, four women in North Seattle were attacked - and police say each one happened while it was dark outside. Detectives are now trying to figure out if any the attacks are connected.
Seattle's Phoenix Jones and his fellow superheroes are raising awareness about the attacks and giving safety tips to protect women who might be vulnerable.
"These are neighborhoods that we walk in ourselves every day - our friends, our family," says Seattle's lone female superhero, Purple Reign. "It could be anybody that we know that this could have happened to."
On Monday morning, police say a man attacked a woman jogging through Green Lake Park. He tackled her to the ground and tried to pull her into nearby bushes. The suspect is described as a light-skinned man in his 20s, standing about 5-feet-7-inches and weighing 160 pounds, with short brown hair. He wore a dark hooded jacket or sweatshirt and dark jeans.
"I want him to get caught," says local volunteer Deann Casallo. "I want more support out here to catch this person. That's why I'm here - to put this out to let more people be aware."
The Green Lake attack happened a day after an attempted abduction in Greenwood. A victim told police two Hispanic-looking men - one wearing a ski mask - tried to pull her into a van. The white van had "XYF" or "ZXF" spray-painted in red on the side.
The same day another woman was attacked after leaving a Wallingford bar. She told police the man chased her, then knocked her to the ground.
Police later released a sketch after a white man with a pocket knife attacked a woman walking near the Northgate Mall. The victim said her attacker pulled her into the bushes and sexually assaulted her.
"You always leave the house, and you're thinking you're going to be OK. But to have to question that - especially in an area you're from and comfortable around - it's pretty scary," says Hillary Weatherill, who often visits Green Lake Park.
Police caution people to be alert and be aware. And if you're alone - carry a cell phone.
The incidents happened just days apart and police still don't know if the crimes are connected.
But the series of assaults has many people concerned and aware. Some say they are so alarmed about what's going on they decided not to run in the area.
At Green Lake, many come to enjoy the outdoors and relax. But the recent attacks in the area have people on alert.
 Police sketch of the suspect in the Northgate-area attack. |
"That just seems weird because this is like a recreational facility. So why should you have to be scared?" says park visitor Miharu Yamauchi.
In four days, four women in North Seattle were attacked - and police say each one happened while it was dark outside. Detectives are now trying to figure out if any the attacks are connected.
Seattle's Phoenix Jones and his fellow superheroes are raising awareness about the attacks and giving safety tips to protect women who might be vulnerable.
"These are neighborhoods that we walk in ourselves every day - our friends, our family," says Seattle's lone female superhero, Purple Reign. "It could be anybody that we know that this could have happened to."
On Monday morning, police say a man attacked a woman jogging through Green Lake Park. He tackled her to the ground and tried to pull her into nearby bushes. The suspect is described as a light-skinned man in his 20s, standing about 5-feet-7-inches and weighing 160 pounds, with short brown hair. He wore a dark hooded jacket or sweatshirt and dark jeans.
"I want him to get caught," says local volunteer Deann Casallo. "I want more support out here to catch this person. That's why I'm here - to put this out to let more people be aware."
The Green Lake attack happened a day after an attempted abduction in Greenwood. A victim told police two Hispanic-looking men - one wearing a ski mask - tried to pull her into a van. The white van had "XYF" or "ZXF" spray-painted in red on the side.
The same day another woman was attacked after leaving a Wallingford bar. She told police the man chased her, then knocked her to the ground.
Police later released a sketch after a white man with a pocket knife attacked a woman walking near the Northgate Mall. The victim said her attacker pulled her into the bushes and sexually assaulted her.
"You always leave the house, and you're thinking you're going to be OK. But to have to question that - especially in an area you're from and comfortable around - it's pretty scary," says Hillary Weatherill, who often visits Green Lake Park.
Police caution people to be alert and be aware. And if you're alone - carry a cell phone.
Why do you all hate on them? We should all be doing our part to help our community. Are they "super" heroes? No, not in the comic book sense. But they are doing a heck-of-a-lot more than the majority of us do to help keep our streets safe. This group has done their homework, know what the boundaries are, and work with the SPD to assist in reducing criminal activity while also helping those in need. All of you complainers are just the typical cynical, forum trolls that can't give credit when credit is due. Last time I checked, 'Phoenix' and team are doing this out of the goodness of their heart, not to make profit. If you don't believe me, look it up. They've turned down reality TV offers and the like.
Super Fro and the Purple Nurple
 I'm not suprised given the thought processes of most Seattlites. They really should hire Tanacious D's Wonder Boy and Nasty Man to write them a theme song!
"And if you're alone - carry a cell phone."  PLEASE dont carry pepper spray, a taser or a gun. I would hate for anyone to be able to defend themselves.
Why aren't they saving people for these attackers... oh i forgot, because they're just yearlong halloween fans and not "super" or "hero's".
Phoenix Jones is such a Super Hero and I would love to stay for breakfast with him. Hey Mr. Jones...CALL ME!
I'd pepper spray them just for looking that ridiculous.Â
I am glad DSHS fired him. He has no business being around kids.
When you look at these two idiots, I am embarrassed that Seattle is a part of Washington.
It is nice a few people are out there trying to keep an eye on things, but to call the "Super Hero's" is a laugh and a half. There is nothing super or heroic about them. They are doing it for one reason and only one and that is to get their face in the news. If they can help someone along the way fine, but quit calling them something they are not. Community activists or roving watch, but "Super Hero's", my sides still hurt from laughing.
"Attacks could happen to anyone"
Um, ya think? Great job stating the obvious, and rehashing a situation that is older than dirt.
Where's Speed Walker when you need him?
On February 11th, SPD posted a reminder about staying alert to your surroundings following these incidents. Â
http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2013/02/11/personal-safety-tips-reminder/
Six days later KOMO posts a story with people in costumes saying similar things. It's just very strange to me that randoms in costumes are now a credible source for crime prevention more than the police. Â
People should read THIS: http://www.seattle.gov/police/prevention/personal/default.htm if they want tips for staying safe. It's a great list and well thought out. I'll leave the ridiculous fascination to people in costumes to KOMO.Â
And what "Superhero" qualities does "Purple Reign" exhibit??? Â Or "Phoenix Jones" for that matter?? Â I'm just waiting for some idiot to come along and claim to be the "Joker" and start targeting these "Superheros". It's only a matter of time.
Phoenix Jones is Ok in my book. He believes in something and has the strength to follow through. If he helps the folks, I really don't care what costume or hair style he wears.
Seriously he wears his hair like that?
@Man Seveneleven Ever see the movie 'House party? It worked of the 'Kid'......
@dome200q @Man Seveneleven And it went out as fast as that movie ended!
@Man Seveneleven I do believe there were a total of tree movies - that's not all that quick, and sure didn't hurt the Kid's bankbook none..... Not bad for a stupid hair style.
Only in Seattle--fake superheroes. The fake super villain was more interesting until he started selling vodka.
Purple Reign is hot.
I'm guessing these "heroes" just realized they weren't getting anymore mention and decided it was time for a little more face time?
Ummm...who are these people and why is their 'superhero' opinion important? Focus on protecting any would-be victims, not talking to these knuckle-heads. The media is getting more idiotic by the hour.
@SouthofSeattle It's hard to grow a flat-top that high.  He has to know something we don't...Â
@31F @SouthofSeattle His "super power" is being able to reverse the effects of gravity.
It's no wonder why the left coast is the laughing stock that it is. This news story, that headline and those two Spandex cowboys... Seattle has earned the reputation.
@HawkEye Isn't there a cowboy on the right coast that doesn't wear clothes and plays the guitar in broad daylight...Â
Omigod, it's Lance Armstrong!
To be perfectly honest- I'd just hold the attacker at gunpoint until the fuzz arrived!Â
@Longhairedvixen Haha, the fuzz... or one time
Pheonix Jones should change his superhero name to Captain Obvious.
@Sheridan There you go! Captain America, eat your heart out!
Thank Goodness us women have folks standing up. Apparently we are so weak and pathetic we consistently need special attenuation and rights! We're so equal until it suddenly comes to being out in public. I as a woman never see folks making men aware/ using the gender card when males are victims of assault. Yet when it happens to women . . . OH My Goodness -- It's not just violence ... it's "Violence Against, (gasp) WOMEN!)Â
@Lisa Nothing to see here folks.  Just an SRSer.
@Lisa "I as a woman never see folks making men aware" ...I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess they're targeting women here because the attacker's M.O. is to attack...wait for it..WOMEN. So, you know, they're notifying that demographic - the ones specifically being attacked.
@AerosmithNirvana You're such a white knight because you don't know any better. Not your fault. Wonder how many feminists courses you've been forced to take. Go get married kiddo, then experience a divorce ... see how your rights as a man are royally in disregard and you start coming to common sense while realizing you couldn't even get student loans for college w/out registering for a draft simply because you're male while females are granted affirmative action even as they're the majority on campuses.  My remark was how we never say "violence against MEN" when males are the target. It's simply "violence is wrong." But my goodness, when it's females, "Violence again WOMEN" is used. This is used because as humans we have strongly placed lives of women before men. Yes, I know. Feminism has taught you this isn't true. But you cannot deny all these "male dominated" leaders have never legally forced women to die in wars. And the "Patriarchy" had a system which males were to die and give boats to women on sinking ships. Doubt you really, really know about voting history. Men who didn't own land didn't even have universal suffrage. And women who pushed for suffrage didn't even want all women to gain universal suffrage.Â
@Lisa @AerosmithNirvana "Go get married kiddo, then experience a divorce ... see how your rights as a man are royally in disregard and you start coming to common sense while realizing you couldn't even get student loans for college w/out registering for a draft simply because you're male while females are granted affirmative action even as they're the majority on campuses."
Ok, "Lisa."
@Lisa @AerosmithNirvana Reminds me of the old Helen Ready song "I am woman, here me roar".... Wow, I hear ya, loud and clear!
Sorry you feel the need to pick fights. I'm done feeding this troll now. Respond all you want.
@Lisa:Â Funny enough, my 8th wedding anniversary is coming up. :) You're still ignoring the only point I was making - that THIS particular case has a reason to inform women specifically. It's the guy's M.O. If he was targeting men, they'd put that out there. Whatever other issues you have that caused my unwittingly pushing those sensitive buttons, I'm sorry for you, but that wasn't my point and not what I was wanting to get into. I only had that one point. Sounds like you need something for all the stress you have, though. And, yeah, I know the history of voting in this country. Seriously, anybody who's passed the sixth grade should know that. Oh, and I wasn't looking to be any knight. Get over yourself.
@Lisa Problem is, no one really gives a crap when it's against men. To a point. But really, some shitebuckets see women as vulnerable and easier to take advantage of (which is often true, strength and size-wise). It's not an accusation of being weak and pathetic, calm down. The person who was punched so hard multiple times in Spanaway was a *gasp* man, and most of us are a fair bit outraged over that.Â
Or would you rather have is like in some countries where if a woman gets assaulted it's her fault, and she could even get jailed for enticing the assailant? Didn't think so.
@Hadrian They don't care when it happens to men because society has survived off a disposable factor. Which has been men legally forced to die and be blown apart in wars to preserve society. We are so used to males being victims of violence that we see it simply as "business as usual." So you offer such profound advice that "no one really gives a crap when it's against men."Â
The day males have the same resources as women, I will shut my mouth. No ... I refuse to be one of these women living in hysteria about possibly being attacked and joining "the march on how terrible it is to be female" when nearly 90% of homeless folks are males and violence stats against women are insanely embellished since we only fund resources for women, not men.Â
@Hadrian Ahh :0) Thanks! I apologize. It can be very difficult to see exactly what someone is saying on these forums and we tend to go off the wall. I'd just go a little further. Our society likes to ignore the men of false rape convictions. As a woman, I just cannot accept this feminist notion that we "must accept a rape claim merely off someones word" without due process. Anytime someone says this/ questions, people call it "victim blaming." This non-sense needs to end. There's little attention on how males of false rape accusations kill themselves. A false rape accusation is -- hands down -- the worst thing you can throw on a person. That person accused is literally DONE regardless how innocent they are. I've never been a woman to accept modern day feminism. And I just see how lop sided the system is.Â
@Lisa No, I agree with you on that; society refuses to believe men can be raped (and then it's a big haha joke), and a fraction of males come forward when they have been hurt by someone, especially a female. But as far as the local 'superheroes' go, they don't seem to be just about violence against women.Â
Actually, I admire your outlook. :]
"Attacks could happen to anyone" NO KIDDING! Yet we as a society we make such a bigger deal when it happens to women. Guess we better just ban humans in an effort to prevent all crimes and promote utopia!Â
91â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦.smash (sound of partially dialed cell phone being stomped on). Come on folks, get real.If you are a potential victim, try to think.What can I do to prevent being a victim in fact.Should I, as a lone woman walk down this dimly lit, empty street?Perhaps I should try to get an escort.I could call a cab and pay a few bucks to be driven to the parking garage and my car, or I could get robbed, beaten, raped, or killed.Is it right that you can not just walk down a public street at 2AM?No it is not right, but it is true.So your choice is reality or a fuzzy little world of rainbows and unicorns.I am truly sorry, but you are a walking victim and only using common sense will prevent you from becoming a statistic.
Eat your heart out America, we have legal pot AND superheroes.
@Goodwin I'd suspect they are mutually supportive
@A_J_Roberts @komonews Thank God, I thought it could only happen to me..... Or... You know..... Other people...
AWESOME!!! Get dem zombies!!!!
Why all the hate on these two? At least they're out there doing something, no matter how out of the norm it is. Better than most of us blogging about how stupid the perp looks. Easy to make smart-a$% comments from the peanut gallery. I've made some myself. But then again, most of you probably think the government is going to protect us. I like @Tacobender50 comment, that's an even better option. But, if some self-proclaimed "superhero" shows up in body armor, knows all kinds of fighting moves wants to protect me or my woman from a bad guy - I'd be very grateful!
@KOMODrone#07737Â @Tacobender50Â I like the people that fancy themselves to be superheroes, they are trying to prevent crime, and since they don't have any SUPERpowers, they do have the powers the rest of have but don't use much- Mainly the power to go out and actively watch for criminal activity and do something about it. And if nothing else, they give Seattle a little twist of quirkiness.Â
Who knows, maybe someone will see one of the flyers and it will help round up the alien-looking perp. Otherwise, it's probably going to be another job for LITTER REMOVAL MAN