Fights leave bad taste at kids' eatery
Disturbances repeatedly bring police to Chuck E. Cheese's in Susquehanna Twp.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
BY MATTHEW KEMENY
Of The Patriot-News

Generally thought of as a kid's paradise -- with its trays of pizza, abundance of video games and rides -- Chuck E. Cheese's restaurant on Union Deposit Road is increasingly frequented by Susquehanna Twp. police.

And they're not there for the pizza.

This year, officers have been to the restaurant eight times for calls about disorderly conduct, assault and theft. Last year, officers responded to 18 calls there.


"We at the police department are disturbed at the amount of calls and arrests at a location that's designed for kids to have fun and eat pizza," Chief Robert A. Martin said. "And we're going to continue to arrest anyone who is disorderly and engages in fights at that location."

The number of calls at Chuck E. Cheese's has increased from 11 in 2005 and nine in 2006, Martin said. Many of the incidents stem from parents acting inappropriately and not respecting each other, he said.

Two weeks ago, police broke up a fight involving 20 people.

A manager at the restaurant refused to comment.

When asked whether the company is planning measures to curb crime there, corporate spokeswoman Brenda Holloway noted that all the restaurants have security cameras to help ensure peace of mind for customers and the restaurants' workers who dress as the Chuck E. Cheese mouse mascot.

"As in our other urban, high-density locations, we rely on the local authorities and their advice to control situations such as the ones we have experienced in Harrisburg," Holloway said.

Lisa Hughes of Harrisburg said her two children and niece were assaulted at the restaurant on Tuesday evening. Two juveniles were arrested, police said.