Instead of the traditional bad guys, it was the costumed, self-styled superhero that ended up behind bars after an altercation Sunday in Seattle.

Phoenix Jones, the moniker used by a man who dons a skintight black-and-gold rubber suit and mask, was arrested on four counts of assault after allegedly trying to break up a fight with pepper spray, the Seattle Police Department said.

According to the statement, a group of men and women were leaving a downtown Seattle club at 2:32 a.m. Sunday and “were dancing and having a good time” when an “unknown adult male suspect came up from behind and pepper sprayed the group,” the statement said.

Jones claimed he used the pepper spray only to break up a fight and to protect himself. “I would never hurt or harm another person if they were not causing harm to another human being,” read a message from Jones on his Facebook page.

For about a year, the masked Jones has patrolled the streets of Seattle, often with a film crew in tow, looking for crime and generating international headlines.

A chaotic scene unfolds on the 13-minute video after Jones runs toward a man and woman who appear to be fighting. The man walks away and the woman then tries to hit Jones with her purse but instead falls onto the street.

“What is this, Halloween?” another woman calls out to rubber-suited Jones.

Eventually Jones is seen spraying several of the individuals with what appears to be a can of pepper spray.

Police spokesman Jamieson said Jones’ actions were overkill. “If you see something that warrants calling 911, call 911. You don’t need to dress up in a costume to do that.”

His Identity was withheld for fear of retaliation against the family.

You Tube Video of Phoenix Jones gets Broken Nose Fighting Crime