“We’re going to detain the mouse!”
In a chaotic scene captured on bodycam, children shouted “Chuck E, no!” as a police officer attempted to arrest a man dressed as Chuck E. Cheese. This unusual incident unfolded during a child’s birthday party in Tallahassee, Florida, on July 23rd, involving Jermell Jones, who was wearing the costume at the time.
Footage has since been released showing officers entering the venue and declaring their intention to apprehend the 41-year-old mascot, leaving surprised parents and kids in disbelief.
“Chuck E! Come with me. Chuck E! Stop resisting! You are in custody,” the officer can be heard saying to Jones, who was in the suit.
The cries of “Chuck E, no” and “What are you doing?” echoed from the children as they witnessed what was happening.
“We’re going to restrain the mouse,” officers announced as they made their way inside.
Parents expressed anger at the situation, criticizing the dramatic nature of the arrest in front of young children, while the officer calmly responded, “Chuck E is a bit busy, ma’am.”
One parent voiced her frustration, stating she would have preferred to see the character leave peacefully rather than being handcuffed in front of impressionable kids.
“Do you want to handcuff all Mickey Mouses?” she questioned, clearly upset.
Yet, the officers stood firm in their response, insisting, “We’re going to detain Mouse.”
Jones had been employed at the Kids Entertainment Center in Tallahassee during the incident.
He is accused of stealing a female patron’s credit card and continuing to make unauthorized purchases. This isn’t his first run-in with the law; he was previously arrested for the same offense just six months earlier.
The story gained traction after images surfaced of Jones, still in costume, being escorted out of the establishment. In another photo, his mouse head sat atop an officer’s car as investigations continued.
Jones now faces multiple charges related to credit card theft and fraudulent use of personal identification, with alleged theft amounting to over $100.
