Introduction to the Incident
Adults and children appeared to be understandably confused and concerned as Florida police officers handcuffed and detained a Chuck E. Cheese employee in full costume, according to bodycam video released Friday.
The surreal footage captured the moments when police had to interrupt the pizza-loving rodent entertaining young customers on July 23 in Tallahassee.
The Arrest
"Chuck E.’s a little bit busy ma’am," police officer Jarrett Cruz appears to tell an adult, as he and his partner move in on the costumed suspect. "Chuck E., come with me, Chuck E." Police struggled for just a moment, near the "Cars" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" games, to handcuff the man in the mouse suit, later identified as 41-year-old Jermel Jones. Jones was accused of stealing and using a customer’s credit card.
Details of the Confrontation
"Chuck E. stop resisting, stop resisting," Cruz could be heard instructing the suspect. "You’re being detained, stop resisting. Let it go, let it go. Do not cause a scene here, sir." As officers led "Chuck E." out of the restaurant, a woman could be seen trying to shield her child from witnessing the potentially traumatizing moment. "We got to do our job ma’am," Cruz appears to tell a concerned parent. "Not my call ma’am."
Reaction from Witnesses
At least one young voice could be heard saying, “What are you doing?” as Chuck E. is led away. One concerned adult confronted officer Cruz’s partner, who explained that the mouse was an accused criminal. "Would y’all put Mickey Mouse in handcuffs?” the angry parent said. The officer responded, "Have a good night" and walked away.
Aftermath
Officers put Jones in a police car and helped him take off his costume — his mouse head, furry hands, oversized shoes and pants with suspenders. Jones denied any wrongdoing.
Conclusion
The incident at Chuck E. Cheese in Florida highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in balancing their duties with the need to minimize disruption and trauma to innocent bystanders, especially children. The bodycam footage provides a unique insight into the complexities of policing and the importance of professionalism in difficult situations.
FAQs
Q: What was the reason for the arrest of the Chuck E. Cheese employee?
A: The employee, Jermel Jones, was accused of stealing and using a customer’s credit card.
Q: Where did the incident occur?
A: The incident occurred at a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Tallahassee, Florida.
Q: What was the reaction of the witnesses to the arrest?
A: Witnesses, including children and adults, appeared confused and concerned by the arrest, with some expressing outrage and disappointment at the treatment of the costumed character.
Q: What happened to the employee after the arrest?
A: The employee, Jermel Jones, was detained, handcuffed, and taken away in a police car, where he was helped to remove his costume. He denied any wrongdoing.
