By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-04-03 19:15:41 | Updated at 2025-04-04 17:26:35
22 hours ago
A Georgia man has sparked fierce debate after he was arrested for leaving his three young children unsupervised at McDonald's.
Chris Louis, 24, left his kids - aged 10, six and one - at one of the chain's restaurants in Augusta, Georgia, with an indoor PlayPlace on March 22, per a police report obtained by Today.
He left them unsupervised for one hour and 42 minutes, it stated.
Someone who was dining at the fast food chain with their family called the police when they realized the children were unattended.
The witness told police he saw Chris ordering food for his kids around 4.30pm, but then he left the restaurant, came back, and then left again.
When the father came back to McDonald's around 6.18pm, he was arrested and taken into custody.
He was later charged with deprivation of a minor - but the act has sparked a huge debate online after Chris issued a statement as to why.
Chris told police he had walked to the restaurant with his kids from his apartment because he didn't have a car and didn't want them to wait while he went to a job interview nearby.
Chris Louis, 24, left his kids - aged 10, six and one - at one of the chain's restaurants in Augusta, Georgia, with an indoor PlayPlace on March 22, per a police report
The father's story drew the attention of former wide receiver Antonio Brown, who was taken aback by his arrest.
'Story caught me by surprise,' he wrote on a GoFundMe that he sent up for Chris and his family.
'A dad just trying to find a way to make money for his family. I know he shouldn’t just leave his kids, but some people don’t have the means for babysitting, etc.
'This GoFundMe is set in place to help this man. I have spoken with GoFundMe and they will get the funds to Chris and his family. I haven’t spoken to Chris yet, but I hope to do so soon.'
As of April 3, the GoFundMe has raised $79,264, far surpassing its goal of $50,000.
Big Brother 20 reality-TV personality and YouTuber Chris 'Swaggy C' Williams was a top donation on the page.
Other people also rallied together to express Chris' innocence on a post about the story on Black News on Facebook.
'Nope. Give this guy a break. He needs the job. So sad this happened,' someone wrote.
He left them unsupervised at the McDonald's restaurant for one hour and 42 minutes, a report stated
'Everyone doesn’t have a support system, he probably felt like the 10-year-old could hold it together! News flash, the 10-year-old is probably highly capable! It’s sad because he is trying to work to support the family! I hope it all works out!' another added.
'Give him a warning maybe a parenting class but not a criminal background!' a person urged.
'He is trying to work. He needs some help,' another stated.
'He had good intentions, and I pray they consider that. Give the man a job so he can provide for his kids. I’m willing to help,' a person wrote.
'This story breaks my heart into pieces for this man and his babies. The judge needs to side with this family. Clearly the young man needs help, helping his kids. Tragic,' someone said.
A user added: 'This is sad. I hope he can get some support so his babies can be safe and he’s able to work. I’m sure his heart was in the right place.'
'Sad. His heart was in the right place. Sometimes it feels like you just can’t win,' a person commented.
One person brought up the football player and the GoFundMe: 'I’m so glad that Antonio Brown stepped up to help him. This man deserves a chance. He was trying to better himself for his kids.'
In another Facebook post by The North Carolina Beat, even more people wished the father-of-three the best.
'Free him!! He was TRYING. Yes, he failed to let employees know what was happening but this guy isn’t a bad father, he didn’t abuse his children. He made a mistake, it happens all the time. Me, as a father, I would’ve found some other option but I understand his intentions and they were harmless,' someone pleaded.
Another wrote: 'Give him a da** break. At least he was trying!'
'May not have been the best decision, but it was the best decision for him at that time plus he's not stealing or selling so give him a break for trying to better his situation,' another similar comment read.
'I’m praying that they give him a break he was trying to better himself for his family please don’t charge that man.,' shared a user.
'Doing the best he could,' a person wrote.
DailyMail.com has reached out to the Augusta Police for more information.
