Self-styled superhero Phoenix Jones loses his job
SEATTLE - The Emerald City's self-appointed superhero crime fighter has lost his day job.
Ben Fodor, aka "Phoenix Jones," was informed by the state Department of Social and Health Services he could no longer work with vulnerable children. He had been employed teaching life skills to autistic children.
The ban against working with children stems from his arrest on suspicion of assault last month.
So far prosecutors have declined to file charges against Fodor, but the case is still before the city attorney. An assault conviction would ban him permanently from working with vulnerable people.
Fodor says he was breaking up a late night fight and used pepper spray in self-defense after he was attacked.
On his Facebook page, Fodor, 23, says the loss of his job won't stop him from his mission as Phoenix Jones.
In fact, he says he'll start patrolling during the day when he isn't looking for a new job.
Here is the text of Fodor's Facebook message:
"I wanted to tell everyone I am fine. I realize when you make a stand against crime sometimes it fights back.
"I have always assumed my body could be injured or I could be seriously hurt. I never assumed I would lose a job that I have had for 5 years, for not being charged with assault.
"This has in no way going to stop me from my mission.As a result of my newfound free time I will be starting day patrols when I'm not looking for work.
"The real losers here are the kids that won't understand why I'm not able to see them anymore."
(Signed) Phoenix Jones
Ben Fodor, aka "Phoenix Jones," was informed by the state Department of Social and Health Services he could no longer work with vulnerable children. He had been employed teaching life skills to autistic children.
The ban against working with children stems from his arrest on suspicion of assault last month.
So far prosecutors have declined to file charges against Fodor, but the case is still before the city attorney. An assault conviction would ban him permanently from working with vulnerable people.
Fodor says he was breaking up a late night fight and used pepper spray in self-defense after he was attacked.
On his Facebook page, Fodor, 23, says the loss of his job won't stop him from his mission as Phoenix Jones.
In fact, he says he'll start patrolling during the day when he isn't looking for a new job.
Here is the text of Fodor's Facebook message:
"I wanted to tell everyone I am fine. I realize when you make a stand against crime sometimes it fights back.
"I have always assumed my body could be injured or I could be seriously hurt. I never assumed I would lose a job that I have had for 5 years, for not being charged with assault.
"This has in no way going to stop me from my mission.As a result of my newfound free time I will be starting day patrols when I'm not looking for work.
"The real losers here are the kids that won't understand why I'm not able to see them anymore."
(Signed) Phoenix Jones
