Montgomery Police Mourn Maryland 'Batman' Killed on Highway

By Elizabeth Janney and Deb Belt

Montgomery County Police are mourning the death of the Baltimore area Batman who became famous after a 2012 Silver Spring traffic stop in his Lamborghini – an encounter that became a viral video.

Leonard Robinson, 51, of Owings Mills, retired after selling a commercial cleaning company he founded. He then spent his time dressing as Batman, visiting and lifting the spirits of sick children in hospitals for more than a decade

Robinson was hit by a car Sunday night in western Maryland after his custom vehicle—a Batmobile replica—had engine trouble and stopped partly in the fast lane on Interstate 70, Maryland State Police reported.

Robinson was checking the engine, standing in the fast lane, when Toyota Camry driven by a Virginia man hit the Batmobile and its owner, police reported. When officials responded to I-70 west of Big Pool Road, medical personnel declared Robinson dead at the scene, according to the report.

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Robinson had been on his way home to Maryland after a car show in West Virginia when his Batmobile broke down, according to The Washington Post.

Montgomery County Police said on its blog that officers were saddened by Robinson’s death and called him a “real superhero.” And his initial encounter with police was recalled. (See video below)

“Robinson was a good sport about the traffic stop and took photos with the officers before he left. Good-old fashioned handshakes and laughter completed the roadside encounter and Robinson was on his way. … We hope that the Dark Knight’s bright light shines on.”

In the patrol car video that’s since become famous, the police dispatcher laughs as the officer says he’s pulling over Batman. When asked if he needs assistance, the officers jokes, “You can send me Robin.”

After learning Robinson was on his way to meet with kids at Georgetown Hospital, police took a picture with the Caped Crusader and sent him on his way, without a ticket.

Robinson’s website Superheroes for Kids says: “Lenny‘s mission is to entertain ill and terminally ill children by appearing to them as Batman and teaching them that just as Batman fights battles, no matter how hard or long their health battles may be, with the strength of will and determination, there is always hope!”

Robinson has three children of his own, according to The Washington Post.

Patch file photo.