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Beware criminals! These SUPERHEROES protect the streets of San Diego

November 18, 2014 10:55 IST

Meet Mr Xtreme, Fallen Boy, Freedom Fighter and Vortex. No, they aren’t men at Comic-Con but real life superheroes who keep the streets of San Diego safe for the residents.

The A-Team: (L to R) Fallen Boy, Freedom Fighter, Mr Xtreme and Vortex, stand on the corner preparing for an evening patrol. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters

Known as the Xtreme Justice League, the band of men from San Diego, conduct safety patrols, raise awareness about crime and safety, assist the homeless and poor, disband violent activities and train those interested in becoming superheroes.

Members of the Xtreme Justice League Lobo, Freedom Fighter, Grim and Fallen Boy patrol through downtown San Diego. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters

The group came into existence when a few citizens, worried about the increasing levels of crime in their neighbourhood. So, in 2006, under the leadership of Mr Xtreme, the league was started and committed to fighting crime and protecting the streets of San Diego.

Fallen Boy , Freedom Fighter and Vortex of the Xtreme Justice League are approached by some men during a patrol in downtown San Diego. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters

The community members said that they refrain from punishing wrong-doers and disassociate from being vigilantes. 

The members of the costumed group of crime fighters include students, former service members and security officers.

Mr. Xtreme looks on as Fallen Boy comforts a woman in distress as they wait for paramedics to arrive during a late night patrol. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters

Equipped with radios and first aid kits, the members of the Xtreme Justice League gather on the steps of San Diego Hall of Justice around 11.00 pm, completely in character; costume, self-defence weapon, et al., before splitting into two group headed by a leader each. On completion of the patrol the groups meet back around 2.00 am and discuss the events of the day with founder, Mr Xtreme.

Stepping out: Members of the Xtreme Justice League Spartan, Fallen Boy, and Light Fist, walk past the court house to begin their night patrol. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuter

Asked about their inspiration, they said, comic book superheroes had motivated them to stand up for their beliefs and seek to act as symbols of good by performing heroic deeds.

Grimm, Lobo and Freedom Fighter stop to check on a man sitting in a doorway late at night during a patrol of downtown San Diego. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters

And if you are interested in being part of the Xtreme Justice League, they are recruiting. 

Oh My God! Women on a night out, react to the sight of the Xtreme Justice League passing them by in full crime fighting regalia. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters

Suiting up: The founder of the league, Mr Xtreme takes no chances with safety; his outfit includes knee pads as well as a helmet. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters