-- From Times staff reporter Jonathan Martin:

Self-style superhero Phoenix Jones appeared in court Thursday morning to fight allegations lodged against his real identity, Benjamin John Francis Fodor.

Criminal charges have not been filed against Fodor. Prosecutors told the judge they needed more time to decide whether to file charges.

The 23-year-old man was arrested on Sunday for investigation of assault after he allegedly broke up a fight using pepper spray. Fodor spent about seven hours in jail before posting $3,800 bail.

On Thursday morning, Fodor sat in the front row of the King County Jail courtroom, but when the hearing concluded he tore off his dress shirt to reveal his signature black and green superhero costume. He briefly spoke to the media after the hearing.

"I will continue to patrol with my team, probably tonight," he said. "In addition to being Phoenix Jones, I am also Ben Fodor, father and brother. I am just like everybody else. The only difference is that I try to stop crime in my neighborhood and everywhere else."

Fodor then stomped off with his lawyer, Matt Hartman, without taking any questions.

Hartman told the media that his client "stands for all that is right and good."

Jones and supporters in the Rain City Superhero Movement have been conducting late night patrols since last year in Seattle.