A 5-year-old’s birthday party at a Chuck E. Cheese in Sylvania Township, Ohio, last week descended into chaos, leaving one man in a medically induced coma and forcing families to protect children as violence erupted.
Witnesses said the altercation began in a bathroom before spilling into the restaurant’s play areas, putting guests and children at risk and sparking renewed attention to security at family entertainment venues.
Authorities have identified the men involved as Derrick Jones and Keshawn Fell, though the specific reason the fight began remains unclear.
Witnesses reported that the confrontation escalated quickly, moving into areas where children were present.
The victim, the birthday girl’s uncle, suffered severe injuries, including a broken eye socket, and required hospitalization in critical condition.
Family members described the scene as frightening and chaotic. The victim’s aunt recounted frantically shielding children as the altercation spread through the facility.
“All I could do is grab everybody’s kids and try to get them up against the wall and try to get them away from it. They literally were running through the whole entire building,” she told WTVG.
The party’s organizer, the victim’s sister, described the emotional impact on her child.
“Because it was my baby’s birthday. I was throwing this for her. Now my baby is traumatized,” she said.
She also recounted trying to communicate with her brother after he collapsed.
“My brother collapsed and I grabbed my brother like brother. Please talk to me. Talk to me. I’m here,” she added.
Charges have been filed against both men. Jones faces felonious assault, while Fell was charged with disorderly conduct for an incident at a hospital following the fight.
Both pleaded not guilty and were released on bond. Police have not confirmed whether a weapon played a role in the injuries sustained.
Relatives emphasized the inappropriate setting for such a confrontation.
“Like you knew when you went in the bathroom to fight, you knew that this was a kid’s establishment. You knew that. You knew it,” one family member said, highlighting concerns about safety in venues frequented by children.
Experts note that family entertainment facilities often rely on staff and limited security measures to maintain safe environments, making incidents like this particularly alarming.
Police body camera footage later captured the altercation both inside the restaurant and in the parking lot.
Officers were seen attempting to separate the two groups as chaos unfolded, with one vehicle striking a parked truck during the incident.
The footage has been included in the ongoing investigation, People noted.
The incident has reignited discussions about security protocols at family-oriented establishments nationwide.
While Chuck E. Cheese has not commented on the fight or whether additional security measures will be implemented, local law enforcement emphasized that they are reviewing procedures to prevent similar events.
Parents and safety advocates point to the need for stricter supervision, more staff presence, and training to quickly de-escalate conflicts.
Meanwhile, the victim remains hospitalized, and his family continues to grapple with both the medical and emotional aftermath of the event.
The birthday celebration intended for a 5-year-old now serves as a stark reminder of how quickly violence can disrupt public spaces, particularly those designed for children, and the ongoing responsibility of venues to maintain safety for all patrons.
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