Parents and kids at a Chuck E. Cheese in Florida got a front-row seat to a scene that looked like a bizarre movie plot — a man dressed in a Chuck E. Cheese mascot costume was arrested in the middle of the entertainment center as children looked on.
“We’re gonna detain the mouse,” an officer said in bodycam footage released by the Tallahassee Police Department, as multiple officers entered the venue during operating hours, according to Fox News.
The surreal moment unfolded just after 6:30 p.m. on July 23, when officers approached the man in costume, identified as Jermel Jones, 41, while he was still entertaining families. A mom can even be heard asking for a photo with the mascot before things took a sharp turn.
“Chuck E.’s a little bit busy, ma’am,” one officer said, before confronting the suspect.
“Chuck E., come with me. Chuck E! Chuck E! Stop resisting! You’re being detained, stop resisting! Do not cause a scene here, sir.”
According to a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began after a woman reported that her credit card had gone missing during her child’s birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese on June 28.
The woman, who said she regularly visits the establishment, provided authorities with both a log of fraudulent charges and footage showing her debit card being used at a location she did not recognize.
Crucially, she recognized Jones as an employee of the entertainment venue.
While Jones denied any wrongdoing, the affidavit paints a different picture. Police say that after his arrest, Jones admitted he had found a credit card and had it “on his person,” though he insisted he “never used it.” The card, according to authorities, was located in Jones’ left front pocket and bore the victim’s name.
The situation escalated further when officers discovered more than just the stolen card.
“Jones was also in possession of a small amount of marijuana,” the affidavit noted. The suspect reportedly told police he was “on the way” to getting a medical marijuana license.
As strange as it was unsettling, the incident raises serious questions about background checks and employee oversight at a place marketed as a safe haven for kids and families. While Jones has not yet been convicted, the case is already generating significant public scrutiny.
And for the families who just came for pizza and arcade games? They’ll probably never forget the day Chuck E. Cheese was led out in cuffs.
