Authorities arrested a dad from Georgia after he allegedly left his three young kids in McDonald's to attend a job interview.
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Per a report by the Augusta Press, police arrested Chris Louis, 24, on March 22. Authorities charged him with deprivation of a minor. The outlet explains that the incident occurred at a McDonald's restaurant on Washington Road in Augusta, which also has a play area inside.
Police were reportedly dispatched to the location when a customer noticed Louis's children, 1, 6, and 10 years old, unattended. A witness told authorities they saw Louis leave McDonald's at around 4:30 PM. He returned almost two hours later at 6:18 PM. Louis found officers waiting for him. He told the police that he didn't have a car and walked his kids to the restaurant. He reportedly left them there rather than walking them back home.
The Incident At McDonald's Prompted A Response From A Former NFL Player
According to the New York Post, the story caught the attention of ex-NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player started a GoFundMe for Louis, saying, 'Story caught me by surprise. 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.'
Brown set the fundraiser goal at $50,000, and it has already reached $41,042 at the time of writing. Antonio Brown is also the top donator, pledging $1084.
His post on GoFundMe explains that he hasn't spoken to Chris yet but hopes to do so soon. 'I have spoken with GoFundMe and they will get the funds to Chris and his family,' he added.
The former NFL player also took to X to provide some insight. "leaving his kids wasn't right... but not everyone has the $ or help for child care. Chris was on the Pursuit of Happiness & sometimes ppl just need help," he explained.
The post went viral, with 1.4 Million views in less than 24 hours. The Comments section is divided; some brand the father irresponsible, while others say his actions were justified in a desperate situation.
