Watch: Man dressed as Spider-Man sprints across road to help stranded wheelchair user

JONESBORO, ARKANSAS: A man dressed as Spider-Man became an unexpected real-life hero after rushing into a busy six-lane intersection to help a wheelchair user safely cross the road.

The dramatic moment, captured on a street security camera, went viral as viewers praised the quick-thinking act of kindness. The man behind the mask was 20-year-old Christopher Hellenthal, who had just finished working at a superhero-themed event at Ultimate Air Trampoline Park.

Still wearing his Spider-Man costume, Hellenthal spotted the wheelchair user stranded in the middle of the intersection as traffic waited at a red light and immediately jumped into action.

Christopher Hellenthal rushed to help wheelchair user

As the traffic signal counted down, Hellenthal ran from his red Jeep into the crosswalk after noticing the wheelchair user struggling to make it across before the light changed.

According to the account of the incident, he reassured the individual by saying, "I got you."

He then pushed the wheelchair across the remaining lanes, getting the man to safety just moments before vehicles began moving again.

The security camera footage showed how little time remained before the light turned green.

After helping the man reach the opposite side, Hellenthal sprinted back to his Jeep, which had remained stopped in traffic.

Later, he explained that the light changed sooner than he expected, leaving him only seconds to get back behind the wheel.

Viral Spider-Man rescue earns public praise

Speaking with The Associated Press, Hellenthal said adrenaline took over the moment he saw someone in danger.

With heavy midday traffic surrounding the intersection, he knew there was no time to waste.

He also joked that wearing a Spider-Man costume made the entire rescue seem almost unreal and said people would probably find it amusing to see a superhero rushing into action in real life.

The Jonesboro Police Department later shared the surveillance footage on Facebook and publicly thanked Hellenthal for stepping in to help the wheelchair user safely cross the road.

The video quickly gained tens of thousands of reactions and comments, with many calling him a real-life superhero.

One social media user even joked that he missed the opportunity to strike a classic Spider-Man pose after completing the rescue.

Friends describe Christopher Hellenthal's heroic nature

For those who know Hellenthal, the heroic act came as no surprise.

Packy Magel, a manager at Ultimate Air Trampoline Park, said he immediately recognized Hellenthal in the viral footage despite the Spider-Man costume.

According to Magel, helping someone in need perfectly reflects Hellenthal's personality.

He added that staying in costume after finishing work was also completely in character.

Hellenthal, who lives in nearby Lake City, said he has admired Spider-Man for years.

His love for the superhero even gave him the chance to meet the late Stan Lee, whose comic book stories inspired generations by portraying heroes with ordinary human struggles.