Metropolis – A dramatic and unprecedented event unfolded late last night in the city’s industrial district, resulting in the sudden emergence of a new, potentially powerful protector. Jaime Reyes, a 17-year-old recent high school graduate, has become inextricably linked to an ancient alien scarab, transforming him into what authorities are tentatively calling “Blue Beetle.”

The event began shortly after 11:30 PM when Reyes, working a late shift at a salvage yard, discovered a strange, intricately carved scarab amidst a shipment of recovered artifacts. Initial investigations revealed the scarab’s origins are unknown, predating any known human civilization. As Reyes attempted to move the object, it bonded with him, triggering a rapid and visually stunning transformation. Reyes’ body shimmered with an otherworldly light, and he was enveloped in a vibrant, blue exoskeleton – the source of his new moniker.

“It felt…like a part of me waking up,” Reyes recounted to responding officers, visibly shaken but seemingly in control. “Like a whole new layer of understanding just slammed into me. It’s… overwhelming, but also… right.”

The transformation isn’t limited to Reyes himself. The scarab has granted him extraordinary abilities, including enhanced strength, durability, and the capacity to manifest powerful energy constructs. Witnesses described seeing Reyes unleash a shimmering, blue shield to deflect debris from a collapsing warehouse, demonstrating the scope of his newfound power.

“I’ve been working that yard for ten years, and I’ve never seen anything like it,” stated veteran salvage operator, Frank Miller, who witnessed the event. “That kid, he just… absorbed it. Like it was meant to be with him. It was incredible, honestly.”

Local law enforcement has established a perimeter around the salvage yard, and a specialized task force comprised of federal agents and military personnel has been deployed to assess the situation. Experts in ancient artifacts and extraterrestrial technology are being consulted to understand the scarab’s origins and the nature of its connection to Reyes.

The long-term implications of this event remain uncertain. While Reyes appears to be a young man of integrity, the scarab’s potential influence and the unknown nature of its power are raising concerns. Metropolis Mayor Patricia Henderson issued a brief statement urging calm and promising full cooperation with authorities. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens,” she said. “We will proceed with caution and prioritize a measured response to this extraordinary situation.”