Only in Florida! Newly released bodycam footage shows police storming into a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant to arrest a man — who just so happened to be dressed head-to-toe in the brand’s giant mouse costume.
The bizarre scene went down back in July, when Jermell J. Jones, fully suited up as Chuck E. himself, was taken into custody by Tallahassee police inside the family arcade.
“Chuck E. Is a Little Busy…”
The video shows officers rushing inside the restaurant before grabbing Jones mid-shift. At one point, an officer can be heard telling a nearby woman, “Chuck E. is a little busy,” as they moved in to slap cuffs on the mascot.
But getting the larger-than-life mouse under control wasn’t easy — police struggled to get his arms behind his back, warning him to stop resisting and avoid causing a scene in front of kids and parents.
Stripped of the Costume
After finally getting Jones outside, police began patting him down. That’s when Jones insisted he was just working, shouting, “I’m just doing my job!”
The bodycam captures him pleading with officers to let him take the suit off, and eventually, he removes the oversized Chuck E. headpiece, shirt, and overalls — all while telling cops he was going to cooperate.
The Charges
Jones was arrested on charges of theft of a credit card after allegedly using a woman’s debit card to make more than $100 worth of purchases.
He was booked into the Leon County Jail, posed for a memorable mascot-free mugshot, and later posted a $1,000 bond before being released.
A Truly “Cheesy” Arrest
The wild footage is now circulating online, with many calling it one of the most surreal arrests of the year.
After all … it’s not every day you see the Chuck E. Cheese mascot escorted out of the family fun zone in handcuffs.
What’s your take on this viral arrest? Wild Florida moment or just bad luck for Chuck E.? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
