The employee, charged with three felonies, was taken into custody during a birthday party at the Tallahassee location
A man wearing a full Chuck E. Cheese mascot costume was arrested in front of stunned families and children during a birthday party at the popular pizza-and-games venue in Tallahassee, Florida.
Jermell Jones, 41, was taken into custody by Tallahassee police on Wednesday, July 23, and now faces three felony charges: theft of a credit card, fraudulent use of personal identification, and repeated credit card fraud within a six-month period, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
The arrest unfolded around 6:30 p.m. at the Chuck E. Cheese located on Sharer Road, while Jones was performing in costume as the chain’s namesake character. Children and parents watched in disbelief as police entered the venue and identified Jones with help from another employee.
According to Tallahassee Police Department spokesperson Alicia Hill, officers initially planned to arrest Jones quietly outside to avoid alarming patrons. But when they approached him, she said, “he immediately tensed up and resisted,” prompting them to handcuff him inside, citing safety concerns for everyone present.
The moment, captured on video by bystanders, quickly spread on social media. TPD later confirmed the authenticity of the footage.
Shortly after the arrest, a woman approached officers and provided video evidence, claiming Jones had fraudulently used her child support debit card. She told investigators the last time she used the card was June 28 — during a birthday celebration at the same Chuck E. Cheese.
Jones initially denied using any stolen cards, according to a police report obtained by CBS Miami. He later admitted to using a card that belonged to someone he referred to only as “Key,” claiming she was a cousin. Police also reportedly found a small amount of marijuana on him at the time of the arrest.
Investigators said surveillance footage and transaction records showed the stolen card had been used at multiple locations. The card was still in Jones’ possession when he was taken into custody.
He was booked into the local jail and later released Thursday morning after posting a $1,000 bond.
A spokesperson for Chuck E. Cheese told PEOPLE, “We are aware of an incident involving a part-time employee arrested at our Tallahassee location on Wednesday, July 23. We have taken appropriate action regarding the employee. Please contact the local police department for further details.”
The Tallahassee Police Department did not respond to a request for additional comment.
