BOOM, POW: Batman, Spider-Man Arrested Following Brawl With Man In Times Square
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Two crime-fighting characters in Times Square have landed in the spotlight, and it's not for saving lives.
The NYPD told 1010 WINS two men, one dressed as Batman and another dressed as Spider-Man, were arrested after a brawl with another man at the Crossroads of the World Saturday night.
Police said the fight started on 44th Street and Broadway after 23-year-old Thomas Rorke heckled the superheroes, CBS 2's Matt Kozar reported.
Rorke, of Breezy Point, was struck multiple times in the face by the crime-fighting duo, police said. He sustained injuries to his face and was also hit in the chest, causing redness and pain, police said.
The men posing as Batman and Spider-Man claimed to have been punched and struck as well, 1010 WINS reported.
Rorke, along with 41-year-old Jose Martinez, who was dressed as Batman, and 35-year-old Abdel Elkahezai, who was dressed as Spider-Man, were charged with misdemeanor assault, Kozar reported.
City officials have been considering a crackdown on costumed characters in Times Square following a slew of incidents in recent months.
Back in July, CBS 2 interviewed Martinez about characters behaving badly.
"This is your opinion because you're the news," he said.
The Times Square Alliance met with elected officials in July to talk about growing concerns and solutions to regulate the so-called street performers.
City Councilman Andy King is sponsoring legislation that would require characters to be licensed by the city.
"We're saying if you do come out here, we want to know who you are," he said.
Tourists and New Yorkers said they think it's a good idea.
"In London, any sort of street entertainer has to be licensed," said tourist Andy Hawkins.
"They should be regulated if the government wants to stick a price on it," said New Yorker Martin Onuh.
Some of the costumed characters that have been in trouble with the law have long rap sheets, including Elkahezai, the Batman taken into custody Saturday night. Police said he has been arrested for public urination, assault and weapons possession.
In August, the NYPD handed out leaflets to tourists in Times Square explaining that they did not have to tip characters for taking photos after they said some of the characters have attacked tourists or harassed them for not paying.
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