Spider-Man's vigilante streak took a dark turn Saturday when he punched a police officer in the face while resisting arrest. Or at least, a panhandler dressed as Spider-Man did so in Times Square, according to police and footage of the altercation posted to YouTube.
New York police have cracked down of late on costumed performers who charge tourists fees to snap keepsake photos with them on the city's streets. In the latest incident, the man dressed as Spider-Man, Junior Bishop, refused to accept a $1 payment and demanded more money, according to police. When Bishop then declined to produce identification to an officer who tried to mediate the situation, police moved in and arrested him. But since Bishop did not have an ID, the arresting officers had no choice but to refer to him in a police report as the comic book web-slinger.
"As the officer goes to place Spider-Man under arrest, Spider-Man breaks free from the officer and punches him in the face," the police report reads.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The UK-made Storm Shadow missiles Ukraine is using in RussiaThe Explainer Ukraine reportedly deployed the long-range British missiles this week, following a tense meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump
-
Dry skin, begone! 8 products to keep your skin supple while travelingThe Week Recommends Say goodbye to dry and hello to hydration
-
Crossword: October 23, 2025The Week's daily crossword
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
