Chuck E. Cheese Mascot Arrested in Florida

A recent police body camera video captured the shocking moment when a Florida man, dressed as the Chuck E. Cheese mascot, was arrested while children and their parents looked on in disbelief.

The Tallahassee Police Department shared the footage, recorded during an arrest on July 23rd. Officers can be seen entering the Chuck E. Cheese restaurant, with one officer stating, “We’re going to restrain the mouse,” as they approached the oversized mascot.

In the chaotic scene, children were engrossed in arcade games, completely unaware of the impending drama that was unfolding. “Chuck E.,” an officer called out, urging the mascot to comply, adding, “Stop resisting! You are in custody!”

The mascot was handcuffed and led out of the restaurant while stunned parents and kids watched in astonishment. One woman expressed her frustration at the arrest, questioning the officers, “Have you put all of your Mickey Mouses in handcuffs?”

According to Police spokeswoman Alicia Hill, there was more to the story. Officers apprehended the man, who had reportedly resisted arrest, which prompted them to handcuff him for safety reasons. Hill mentioned that it was “unfortunate” that the individual was dressed as Chuck E. Cheese.

During the encounter, an officer could be heard admitting, “My parents weren’t happy to restrain Chuck E. Cheese,” to which another officer simply replied, “Too bad.”

After removing the head from the mascot costume to reveal the man’s face, officers searched him for any weapons, but his costume made that quite challenging. “I work, you know, I’m just doing my job,” he reportedly told the officers in confusion.

The arresting officers took 41-year-old Jermel Jones into custody on charges of credit card theft after he allegedly made purchases using someone else’s credit card. The alleged victim had reported her debit card missing following a visit to the Chuck E. Cheese for her child’s birthday party.

Further investigations revealed that the card had been used without consent at various locations. Officers soon discovered the stolen card in Jones’s front pocket, yet he denied any wrongdoing, insisting he had “never used” a debit card. Additionally, Jones was found with a small amount of marijuana, claiming he was on his way to obtain a medical marijuana license.

He faces multiple charges, including credit card theft and misuse of identification. Jones was released on a $1,000 bond the next day.

A spokesperson for Chuck E. Cheese confirmed that appropriate measures are being taken regarding the situation.