In an inspiring display of selflessness, a man donned in a Spider-Man costume was caught on camera leaping into action to assist a man in a wheelchair navigate across a bustling intersection in Arkansas. The heroic act quickly captivated hearts and went viral.
This touching event unfolded on a Tuesday, when traffic cameras documented the moment shortly after Christopher Hellenthal, aged 20, concluded his shift at a trampoline park in Jonesboro.
“Earlier that day, we celebrated superhero day, so I dressed as Spider-Man for the kids, and they absolutely loved it,” said Hellenthal, reflecting on his decision to wear the costume. “When work was done, I thought I’d take a drive around town in the suit. That’s when I saw the man in the wheelchair, clearly struggling, and knew he needed help.”
Describing his immediate reaction, Hellenthal recounted, “I jumped out of my car right away, driven by pure adrenaline. I assured the gentleman, ‘don’t worry, I’ve got you,’ and he seemed to understand. I guided him to safety, returned to my vehicle, and continued on my way.”
In Jonesboro, Arkansas, Christopher Hellenthal, 20, dressed as Spider-Man, assists a man in a wheelchair across a busy road. (Jonesboro Police Department/TMX/AP)
“I would have done it with or without the suit,” Hellenthal also said.
The moment was shared on the Facebook page of the Jonesboro Police Department, which called Hellenthal a “true superhero.”
“We were able to spot this little web of kindness on our intersection cameras. Thank you, sir, for helping this gentleman reach his destination safely,” police said.
Sally Smith, a police department spokesperson, told The Associated Press that “Not in my 7 years in the department have I witnessed this.”
Hellenthal said he would have helped the man “with or without the suit.” (Jonesboro Police Department/TMX/AP)
Hellenthal, who lives in Lake City, east of Jonesboro, said he’s always been a Spider-Man fan. He told the AP that he even had the opportunity to meet the late Stan Lee, one of the character’s co-creators.
Packy Magel, a manager at Ultimate Air Trampoline Park who works with Hellenthal, said he recognized Hellenthal from the video despite his superhero getup.
The video ends with Hellenthal helping the man cross the intersection on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Jonesboro, Ark. (Jonesboro Police Department/TMX/AP)
It’s “very much like him to do something like that and very much like him to be still in costume,” Magel said to the AP.