South Carolina Teen Pulled Gun at Chuck E. Cheese, Threatened Workers and Families in Front of Kids, Police Say
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Parents and children were left shaken after a 19-year-old man allegedly entered a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant with a gun, pointed it at several people, and took one man hostage in a terrifying weekend incident that police say could have ended in tragedy.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said Tavares McFadden-World walked into the children’s entertainment center on Saturday afternoon and began brandishing a firearm, threatening both employees and customers.
According to investigators, McFadden-World pointed the weapon directly at a worker’s head and at two other victims in front of dozens of parents and children.
“My kids can’t sleep now,” one father told local station WACH, recalling the panic that swept through the restaurant. “I saw pure fear in their eyes. They’ve never been in that situation before.”
Chaos Inside the Family Restaurant
Witnesses say families were celebrating birthdays and playing games when the teen suspect suddenly pulled out the gun.
An employee and two guests were targeted, and one man was reportedly held against his will. Parents grabbed their children and ran for cover as McFadden-World shouted threats and waved the weapon around.
One bystander with a concealed carry permit pulled out his own firearm and aimed it at McFadden-World, causing the teen to drop his gun and flee, scattering bullets across the floor as terrified children screamed.
“My wife felt powerless,” the father said. “She was just holding my girls tight. She knew there was nothing she could do.”
Suspect Fled, Then Returned to the Scene
After fleeing the restaurant, McFadden-World reportedly jumped into a car driven by 18-year-old Kenzie Miller, who helped him leave the area. Deputies said both later returned to the Chuck E. Cheese, where police were still investigating.
Officers quickly detained the pair without further incident.
McFadden-World was charged with:
- Kidnapping
- Assault and Battery
- Three counts of pointing and presenting a firearm
- Tampering with evidence
Miller faces an obstruction of justice charge.
Parents Blame Lack of Security
Families who were inside at the time criticized the restaurant’s safety measures.
“They didn’t check anything,” the father said. “He came in easily. There was zero security.”
The Chuck E. Cheese franchise in Columbia’s Sparkleberry Lane area did not respond to media requests for comment.
Authorities confirmed McFadden-World is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on a $75,000 bond. Miller’s custody status was not immediately available.
Community Still on Edge
The disturbing incident has reignited concerns about security in family-oriented businesses and how quickly violence can erupt in public spaces meant for children.
“It’s the only time I’ve ever felt like crying as a dad,” the father added. “We were supposed to be having fun — now my kids wake up screaming at night.”
Should family entertainment centers increase security after incidents like this? Share your thoughts and follow more South Carolina updates at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.