A night of fun turned into chaos and fear at a Houston Chuck E. Cheese over the weekend when a 17-year-old male allegedly pulled a gun, threatened multiple people, and took one person hostage as families and children looked on in terror.
According to the Houston Police Department, officers were called around 7:45 p.m. Saturday after reports of a gun inside the restaurant. Witnesses described panicked parents rushing to protect their children as the teen allegedly pointed a semi-automatic handgun at three individuals during an argument near the arcade area.
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One person was reportedly held hostage, with the teen forcing others to stay back. Parents scrambled to hide their children behind game machines or flee through side exits, while employees immediately contacted 911 and guided guests out safely.
“It was absolute panic,” said Carla Martinez, who was celebrating her daughter’s birthday. “We were cutting the cake when I saw a boy pointing a gun. I grabbed my daughter and ran.”
Houston Police negotiators and SWAT teams arrived within minutes, ultimately convincing the suspect to release the hostage unharmed. The teen was then taken into custody without further incident, and authorities recovered the firearm, which may have been stolen.
Police Chief Troy Finner praised the officers’ rapid response and cautioned about the psychological impact on witnesses: “No one was physically harmed, but what those children and families witnessed was deeply traumatic.”
The suspect now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and felony kidnapping. Prosecutors are considering whether to charge him as an adult due to the severity of the incident.
Witnesses estimated more than 50 people were in the restaurant, including numerous children attending birthday parties. Parents described scenes of screaming and confusion, initially mistaking the incident for a prank or altercation before realizing the severity.
Counseling services have been offered to all affected, with Houston Victim Services providing trauma support to both children and adults. City officials are calling for increased safety measures at family entertainment venues, including enhanced security presence and stricter bag-check policies.
The Chuck E. Cheese location remains temporarily closed while staff and patrons recover from the incident. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the teen’s access to the weapon and the events leading up to the confrontation.