The Dark Knight of Salem: The Story Behind Washington County's Very Own Batman

For the past year, many Salem residents have noticed a mysterious and recurring sight: a lone figure in a black cape and cowl, roaming the streets like he stepped straight out of a comic book. Who is this enigma?

He's Batman.

The sightings have set local Facebook groups abuzz. “Anyone else see Batman walking through town today?” one post read. “What’s up with the guy dressed as Batman walking up SR-60?” asked another. “I think Salem has a bat infestation,” someone joked.

Until now, no one seemed to know much about him. But The Washington County Times is proud to report that we have successfully secured an inside account of Salem’s caped crusader, thanks to an exclusive interview with 18-year-old high school senior Scotty Spears, who claims to have a “close connection” with the Batman. And while Scotty insists that he is definitely not the hero in question, he was happy to share the story of the man who is.

According to Scotty, the man behind the mask had a difficult childhood. Details are private, but Scotty says “he went through things no child should have to.” He found inspiration in Batman, another character who lost everything at a young age but turned that pain into a purpose.

That connection stayed with him into adulthood. “The minute he puts on the mask,” Scotty said, “he feels like he is Batman, and like nothing can hurt him.”

His first appearance in Salem happened by accident. He was visiting a friend on her last day of work, dressed in the suit. Afterwards, he walked to a restaurant to get a drink. He didn’t expect anyone to care much, but people honked, waved, stopped for pictures, and even pulled over on the side of the road to meet him.

“That was the day he knew he had become something more than just a guy in a costume,” Scotty said.

Since then, Salem’s Batman has made many spontaneous appearances around town. He sometimes stops for photos with kids or even shows up at birthday parties. Scotty says the reactions are mixed, but most people seem to enjoy it.

There’s no schedule for when you might see him, but Scotty says your best chance is on a Friday or Saturday night. And if you do, he hopes you’ll wave or say hello. Batman doesn’t charge for pictures and won’t take donations. Scotty says he prefers people give that money to something more important, like a homeless shelter.

As for what the future holds, the citizens of Salem need not worry. Our local hero isn't leaving anytime soon, and his alter ego (whoever he is) plans to keep doing this for as long as he can. “Even after he’s gone,” Scotty said, “he’ll have someone else wear the suit so it’s like Batman never left Salem.”