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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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