Georgia police arrested a 24-year-old man for leaving his three children alone in McDonald’s while he attended a job interview. The man, identified as an Augusta resident named Chris Louis, was apprehended on March 22nd and charged with deprivation of a minor, which sparked public outrage.
Louis left his children in an indoor playground at McDonald’s on Washington Road while interviewing at that same location, which caused the controversy. According to reports, a customer inside the restaurant became concerned when they noticed the children, ages 1, 6, and 10, alone in the indoor playground. The alarmed customer quickly notified the local authorities. A deputy arrived at the scene and confirmed the children were unattended.
Louis and his children arrived at the restaurant around 4:30 p.m. that day, a witness told the authorities, according to Baller Alert. The witness also reported seeing him leave and return multiple times throughout the afternoon. At around 6:18 p.m., he was reprimanded by the police when he re-entered the restaurant.
During questioning, Louis mentioned that he did not own a car and that he and the children had walked from his apartment to the restaurant. He added that he did not want them walking back to the apartment while he was in the interview.
The children’s mother arrived shortly after he was detained and took them into her care. Afterwards, the father was taken into police custody. Following the news of his arrest, social media users lashed out, calling for the charge to be dropped. Online commenters argued that his actions stemmed from economic hardship and a sincere desire to provide for his family.
Many social media users expressed shock and disbelief at his arrest, arguing he shouldn’t have been arrested for leaving his children unattended during a job interview at the same restaurant. While many call for him to be freed, several online users have also requested his information to help him.