A children’s birthday party at a Chuck E. Cheese in Tallahassee, Florida, turned chaotic on July 23, 2025, when police handcuffed the restaurant’s mascot in full view of families enjoying pizza and games. The arrest of part-time employee Jermel Jarreau Jones, still clad in the oversized mouse costume, captured national attention and later went viral online.
Arrest in Costume
Officers entered the northwest Tallahassee location around 6:30 p.m. during peak hours. Jones, 41, was detained without removing his costume, creating a surreal scene as customers watched the handcuffed character. Body camera footage, released by police in September 2025, showed officers approaching him and issuing commands, with audio referencing “the mouse.” The video quickly amassed millions of views on social media and sparked widespread debate.
Fraud Discovery
The incident stemmed from a June 28, 2025, birthday party. A customer discovered unauthorized charges on her debit card days later, including purchases at a smoke shop, meat market, and fast-food outlet. She contacted the merchants, obtained surveillance footage, and recognized Jones from the event. Police linked him to multiple transactions totaling about $105. During the arrest, they recovered the card from his left front pocket.
Charges and Resistance
Jones faced three felony counts under Florida law: larceny of a debit card, possession of another’s identification without consent, and fraudulent use of a credit card. The repeated uses elevated the modest amount to felony status. According to the arrest report, Jones tensed his arms and pulled away when officers tried to detain him, prompting minimal force to cuff him. He told police he found the card and planned to turn it in, but evidence contradicted this.
Public and Corporate Fallout
Children at multiple parties witnessed the handcuffing, leading some parents to question the timing and visibility. Police cited safety and his resistance as reasons for acting immediately. Online reactions split between criticism of the public arrest and support for officers. Chuck E. Cheese confirmed Jones’s part-time status, stated they took appropriate employment action, and reaffirmed commitment to safety and law enforcement cooperation. Court records revealed Jones’s prior Leon County convictions from the early 2000s, raising questions about hiring practices.
Ongoing Implications
The case advanced through Florida courts, with potential penalties including fines and prison for felony fraud convictions. It exposed vulnerabilities in family venues handling high-volume payments and stressed consumer vigilance in monitoring accounts. While unlikely to cause lasting brand harm, the event underscored how one employee’s actions can amplify scrutiny on trust and oversight in child-focused businesses, prompting families to reassess venue security.
Sources: ABC News – “Chuck E. Cheese mascot busted for debit card theft in Florida” – July 2025
Global News – “Chuck E. Cheese mascot arrested in full costume for theft” – July 2025
CBS News – “Police arrest Chuck E. Cheese mascot, bodycam footage shows” – September 2025
FOX 29 Philadelphia – “Chuck E. Cheese mascot arrested in full costume for credit card fraud” – July 25, 2025
Global News Video – “Florida man arrested in Chuck E. Cheese mascot costume” – August 30, 2025