A shocking incident at a Florida Chuck E. Cheese location went viral after newly released police body camera footage captured the moment a man dressed as the famous mascot was arrested during a child’s birthday party. Authorities confirmed the suspect, 41-year-old Jermell Jones, was taken into custody on charges of credit card theft and fraud.
Police Say Fraud Led to Chuck E. Cheese Arrest
According to the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), the arrest followed a complaint from a customer who reported over $100 in fraudulent credit card charges after hosting a party at the family entertainment venue. Investigators later obtained surveillance footage showing Jones making purchases with stolen card information.
The Viral Moment: “Chuck E., Come With Me”
Body cam footage of the arrest of Chuck E. Cheese just dropped LMAO 🍕 🐭 ⛓️💥 pic.twitter.com/ZWQX6afk5t
— South Dallas Foodie (@SouthDallasFood) August 31, 2025
The bodycam video shows officers approaching the mascot in the middle of the restaurant as families looked on. One officer can be heard saying: “Chuck E., come with me, Chuck E.”
Still dressed in the oversized mouse costume, Jones initially resisted briefly before being handcuffed and escorted out of the building in full view of parents and children.
We regret to inform you that Chuck E. Cheese has been arrested for credit card fraud in Florida
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 24, 2025
Parents React as Video Sparks Debate
The public nature of the arrest drew criticism from some parents, who questioned why the incident wasn’t handled privately. However, police defended their actions, citing the urgency of the investigation.
Days later, Chuck E. Cheese’s CEO publicly showed support for law enforcement, even appearing in photos high-fiving officers after the video went viral.
Chuck E. Cheese: From Mascot to Meme
Chuck E. Cheese has been an iconic mascot for decades. Originally an anthropomorphic rat in 1977, he became a mouse in 1993, and underwent a rockstar-themed makeover in 2012.
Now, the brand is making headlines for an entirely different reason, as #ChuckE trending across social media with memes and jokes about the unusual arrest.
Quick Facts About the Arrest
- Who: Jermell Jones, 41
- Where: Chuck E. Cheese, Tallahassee, FL
- Charges: Credit card theft and fraud
- Viral Quote: “Chuck E., come with me, Chuck E.”
