LEFT: (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) RIGHT: (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
A Georgia father ended up in police custody after his alleged controversial alternative to having no babysitter. Chris Louis reportedly dropped off his three minor children at a McDonald’s in Augusta to attend a job interview. Eventually, someone peeped that the kids were alone, and police were called to the fast-food spot, where they later arrested the 24-year-old dad. After the story went viral, Antonio Brown asked social media to put him in touch with Chris.
On April 2, AB revealed an update from Louis’ girlfriend and shared how much money he crowdfunded for the Georgia father. However, it seems that Brown will likely refund the donations after Augusta police revealed new details about the incident. Captain Danny Whitehead reportedly found that the evidence shows Chris did not have a job interview during the time that he left his children unattended at McDonald’s.
Editor’s Note: This story was published on April 1 and updated on April 2 to reflect new details about the father’s arrest and Antonio Brown’s fundraising efforts.
According to The Augusta Press, Louis’ children are ages one, six, and 10. On March 22, the Georgia father dropped off his minors at a McDonald’s located at 2902 Washington Road, a little over two hours from downtown Atlanta. This particular store in the chain has a playground on the inside. After some time, Augusta Press reports that two witnesses noticed the children’s solo state at about 4:30 p.m. They said the father told someone on the phone that he needed to “drop something off” before leaving the restaurant. The 1, 6, and 10-year-olds were alone for about an hour and a half, per witness estimate.
Cops found holes in Chris Louis’ job interview and timeline explanations. The 10-year-old child reportedly confirmed to police that she, her dad, and siblings walked to McDonald’s from The Hendrix Apartments, which is 0.4 miles from the restaurant. She revealed that her dad left to drop off a backpack, and her mother later confirmed this story, too. However, the 10-year-old also said that Chris leaves them alone often.
Chris Louis arrived at the restaurant for the last time at 6:18 p.m. and still had the backpack in question, per police. He allegedly told police he lost an ID and his card while walking back and forth to deliver to the bank and spent some time retracing his steps. Louis also said they were at the McDonald’s because he was expecting a job call back from West Bank Inn, next door to McDonald’s.
The manager at West Bank Inn confirmed to investigators that Chris filled out a job application on March 22 and had a brief informal interview that same day. He was at the location from 1:12 p.m. and 1:37 p.m. The manager also denied that he would’ve been expecting a callback for a formal interview. With the statements and video evidence, police feel confident that the Georgia father was NOT at a job interview while the kids were alone at the fast food spot.
“Furthermore, by his own admission, [Chris Louis] was walking between McDonalds and The Hendrix Apartments on foot during that period,” Chief of Staff Lewis C. Blanchard told sports reporter Clay Travis.
It’s still unclear if Chris had any communication with the children while gone. As previously reported, he is being charged with deprivation of a minor. Before police took the 24-year-old into custody, his children’s mother,Lissette Pichardo, pulled up to the McDonald’s and picked up their kids. She also reportedly confirmed Chris’ backpack story, saying it was for her mother. However, Lissette claimed she told him to take the kids with him. She reiterated that to Chris before the cops took him away.
It’s unclear whether the Georgia father is still in custody or when his next court date is. Meanwhile, Lewis C. Blanchard said the facts of the case justify the misdemeanor charge against Louis. Blanchard said it “was appropriate to ensure the welfare of the children and facilitate a review of the matter by the court.” The Chief of Staff also said the charge will allow everyone involved to tell their side of the story in court.See the Georgia father’s mugshot below.
Rather than weigh in with his personal take, Antonio Brown asked to be put in contact with Chris Louis.“Anybody know how to get a hold of Chris? Would love to help him,” AB wrote on X.
On April 2, he said he spoke to Chris Louis’ girlfriend, presumably Lissette, who allegedly told him their family has been homeless since November. He also shared an update on a GoFundMe he organized, which surpassed a $50,000 goal. At the time of publishing, it had raised over $65,000.
Antonio Brown later responded to reporter Clay Travis’ details from Lewis C. Blanchard. He reiterated the story the girlfriend allegedly told him and then confirmed he wouldn’t be handing over the GoFundMe money if he isn’t able to verify the story.
“No funds will be sent to family till story is verified.. if cant verify story.. I will have @gofundme refund the money to everyone who has given. Blessings”
AB’s generous work might be shocking to some who recently saw his harsh response to his son’s mother requesting his help. As previously reported, in March, Antonio shared a screenshot of Cydney Moreau messaging him for rent money while giving him an update on their son. He turned her down by writing “F**k u b***h go suck d**k.”She replied, saying AB has an obligation to help. It’s unclear if he ever responded again or provided the financial help.
As mentioned, the Georgia father’s arrest went viral on social media as folks debated whether his decision. Thousands of reactions filled up the timeline and trending tab on X (formerly Twitter) on March 31 and April 1.
