Missouri police department goes viral after sending out Gotham City crime alert

Image via Warner Bros.

Missouri inhabitants received some odd messages on their cellular devices on Tuesday afternoon; the alert originated from Gotham City, and warned citizens of a suspicious getaway vehicle with the license plate: UKIDME.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), this was an unfortunate (but coincidentally timed) accident. Especially with The Batman releasing in theaters worldwide in less than two months, the message seems purposefully planted, but authorities insisted it was not.

At approximately 4:52 p.m., citywide cellphones buzzed with an automatic alert reading, “GOTHAM CITY MO PURPLE/GREEN 1978 DODGE 3700 GT MO UKIDME.” On its official Twitter account, the MSHP posted a screenshot of the alert and captioned the tweet: “This was meant to be a test message, THERE WAS NO ALERT.”

Whether or not the alert was accidental, the MSHP have gone viral, sparking the interest of eagle-eyed Batman fans everywhere. For those who know their Batman lore, the license plate (UKIDME) matches the vehicle driven by Joker’s goons in Tim Burton’s Batman — in which Jack Nicholson starred as the Clown Prince of Crime. Just minutes after the alert was sent, any confused receivers were assured that the message was merely a test.

As expected, Twitter users never fail to entertain with its responses, some of which are downright hilarious given the circumstances.

@brandonjrosen on Twitter
@emplamo on Twitter
@Bmuelle3 on Twitter

Since Missouri authorities broadcast the emergency alert, the Joker doesn’t appear to have been apprehended as of yet, but we can only hope Batman remains on the case.

About the author

Chynna Wilkinson

Chynna Wilkinson

For over 7 years, Chynna has been a noteworthy presence within creative media. As a self- proclaimed geek and driven by a passion for horror, comic books, video games, and modern cinema, she takes pride in providing only the best publications. She likes to label herself as an innovative writer doing what she loves, especially when it concerns her favorite interests. Aside from personal written projects, she can be credited as an award-winning screenwriter, published poet, and accomplished academic writer. She has taken the media industry by storm, producing short stories, screenplays, articles, features, and poetry that thoroughly engage, excite and thrill those fortunate enough to read them. She enjoys watching anime, horror movies, and animated shows; her life revolves around cinema, video games, and tasteful literature.