Batman impersonator's Facebook prank backfires

Published: Apr. 3, 2012 at 9:25 PM CDT|Updated: Apr. 17, 2012 at 5:33 PM CDT
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The "Bar Harbor Batman" faces a terrorizing charge for an April Fools' Day 2012 prank. (WABI-TV)
The "Bar Harbor Batman" faces a terrorizing charge for an April Fools' Day 2012 prank. (WABI-TV)

Bar Harbor, Maine - One man learned that even a "superhero" can't get away with making threats, even if it's part of an April Fools' joke.

"I didn't even think of it after I posted it," explained Chris Schwartz of his Facebook prank.

The 35-year-old is known as the "Bar Harbor Batman" for regularly dressing up as the character for parties, parades and other events.

"It's April Fools'. Let's take Austin Powers and Batman and shake it up in my snow globe and see what comes out."

The resulting comment on his Facebook page read, "I demand payment of one million dollars or I will blow up the hospital. Once the funds are secured, private message me for further instructions."

Someone tipped off police and less than an hour later, officers were at Schwartz's door.

"What surprised me the most is how quickly everything happened," he recalled.

"Batman wouldn't blow up a hospital; it's the opposite. It's April Fools' Day."

Despite his offer to take down the post, officers arrested Schwartz on a terrorizing charge and will return to court in June.