Authorities arrested a Chuck E. Cheese Mascot in Florida during a kid’s birthday party last week.
According to a report by CBS News, the incident occurred on July 23 at around 6:30 PM at the Chuck E. Cheese on the 2800 block of Sharer Road, Tallahassee. Officers reportedly arrived at the restaurant looking for a suspect in a credit card theft investigation. They arrested 41-year-old Jermell Jarreau Jones, who was wearing a mouse costume at the time. Per the Tallahassee Democrat, the incident quickly went viral on social media, prompting the Tallahassee Police Department to confirm pictures circulating online were legitimate.
A spokesperson for the police department reportedly told the outlet that officers were called to the Chuck E. Cheese after a caller reported their credit card stolen. The victim allegedly met officers outside the restaurant and told them she visited the establishment in June. She then noticed $100 spent at shops she did not recognize. The victim ultimately traced the card activity to the restaurant and notified the authorities.
Officers Intended To Make The Arrest Outside The Chuck E. Cheese
The Tallahassee Democrat reveals that officers intended to make the arrest outside the public view as they believed the suspect was manning the door. However, an employee confirmed the suspect was inside and dressed as Chuck E. Cheese. Police reports allegedly say that officers even addressed the suspect as Chuck E. Cheese himself as they escorted Jones to the parking lot. The police spokesperson admitted, “It is unfortunate that the person who is the subject of this investigation and whom we had probable cause on happened to be in a suit and in costume.” Authorities confirmed that they had found the stolen credit card on the suspect when they arrested him.
Chuck E. Cheese shared a statement with People, where they deferred inquiries to the police. “We are aware of an incident involving a part-time employee arrested at our Tallahassee location on Wednesday, July 23. We have taken the appropriate action concerning the subject employee. The police have not reached out to us about this. Please contact the local Tallahassee police department for any questions,” they said.
Jones was reportedly charged with three felonies. Credit card theft, criminal use of personal identification information, and fraudulent use of a credit card.