Police in Florida have arrested a Chuck E Cheese employee dressed as the chain's mascot on suspicion of credit card fraud, leading him away in handcuffs while still wearing the giant mouse costume as children looked on.
The employee, Jermell Jones, was taken into custody on three felony charges after a customer reported fraudulent transactions on her credit card following a visit to the restaurant. The credit card was allegedly found in Jones's possession.
Officers told the Tallahassee Democrat that they initially intended to handcuff Jones outside public view, but when he resisted, they decided to proceed. One officer reportedly identified him by his mascot name, saying, 'Chuck E, come with me, Chuck E.'
Jones has been charged with theft of a credit card, criminal use of personal identification information, and fraudulent use of a credit card on more than two occasions within six months.
CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E Cheese, said in a statement that it was aware of the incident and had 'taken the appropriate action concerning the subject employee.'
