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." At least one young voice could be heard saying, “What are you doing?” as Chuck E. is led away.
Reaction of the Public
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. Officers put Jones in a police car and helped him take off his costume — his mouse head, fury hands, oversized shoes and pants with suspenders. Jones denied any wrongdoing.
Conclusion
The incident has raised questions about the handling of the situation by the police, given the potential trauma it could cause to the children present. The use of bodycam footage has provided a clear view of the events as they unfolded, showing the complexity of the situation and the challenges faced by law enforcement in such unusual circumstances.
FAQs
- Q: What was the reason for the arrest of the Chuck E. Cheese employee?
- A: The employee, identified as 41-year-old Jermel Jones, was accused of stealing and using a customer’s credit card.
- Q: How did the police handle the situation?
- A: The police officers, including Jarrett Cruz, approached the costumed employee, instructed him to come with them, and handcuffed him after a brief moment of resistance. They then led him out of the restaurant.
- Q: What was the reaction of the people present?
- A: Adults and children were confused and concerned. Some adults tried to shield their children from the scene, and one parent confronted the police, comparing the situation to handcuffing Mickey Mouse.
- Q: What happened to the employee after the arrest?
- A: The employee was put in a police car, and his costume was removed. He denied any wrongdoing.
