Seattle's 'superhero' has nose broken in confrontation Police say he and others should trade capes for cell phones

"Phoenix Jones the Guardian of Seattle," one of the city's self-proclaimed "superheroes," is pictured in this photo from KOMO-TV. "Phoenix Jones the Guardian of Seattle," one of the city's self-proclaimed "superheroes," is pictured in this photo from KOMO-TV. Photo: / Photo: / Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Seattle's 'superhero' has nose broken in confrontation 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

One of Seattle's self-proclaimed superheroes had his nose broken and was threatened at gunpoint Saturday, prompting police to again ask that he and others stop with the costumes and call 911.

The Man of Steel he is not.

Police spokespeople say they heard about the incident from reporters -- Phoenix Jones the Guardian of Seattle talked about the incident Monday with seattlepi.com partner, KOMO/4. Sgt. Sean Whitcomb said he isn't aware of a police report regarding the incident.

Some patrols officers have mistaken what they call the "costume-wearing complaints" for criminals, and say in some cases the characters are lucky they haven't been seriously hurt. That confusion prompted police to issue a bulletin to alert patrol officers in November.

"Does Superman get his ass kicked?" one detective asked. "These people should not be called superheroes."

Police noted that and other details about the self-proclaimed superheroes -- including Jones' real name -- in the November bulletin. Seattlepi.com first reported on the recent movement then, including details about Jones' costume with a bulletproof vest, arm and leg trauma plates.

"I endanger my life with a reason and a purpose," Jones told KOMO's Luke Ducey Monday.

On "Good Morning America" last week, Jones said calling 911 is a great start, but said "it's like waving a white flag."

"If police aren't here, criminals feel free to run wild in my city," he continued. "And I'm not going to stand for it."

Jones told KOMO the altercation that injured him happened Saturday night near Fifth Avenue and James Street. Jones, who said he was breaking up a fight, called 911 and put one of the men in a headlock and waited for police, KOMO reported.

Another man pulled out a gun seconds later and when the superhero let go of the man he was holding, that man kicked him in the face and broke his nose, Jones told KOMO.

Jones insisted the attack wasn't a big deal, and that he and other superheroes are much better prepared for confrontations than average citizens.

"I don't condone people walking around on the street with masks," he told seattlepi.com in November. "Everyone on my team either has a military background or a mixed martial arts background, and we're well aware of what its costs to do what we do."

Some people who the self-proclaimed superheroes meet on the streets ask for pictures or autographs. Several reality show producers have been desperate to get a hold of Jones for TV offers.

No word on if the superheroes will upgrade from their Kia.

Watch Ducey's report here: