A Jacksonville, Florida Subway restaurant manager, James Anthony Morris Jr., 33, has been released on bail following accusations of falsely imprisoning a 10-year-old girl in his establishment. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested Morris on Monday, charging him with the false imprisonment of a minor under 13 years old.
The incident reportedly began when the young girl walked across a freshly mopped floor in the Subway shop. Her mother instructed her to apologize to Morris, who then allegedly took the girl by the hand and led her to the back of the restaurant. It is alleged that Morris then locked the girl in a room, causing the mother to become distressed.
Initially, the mother believed Morris was joking. However, when she tried to open the door, Morris allegedly blocked it with the girl inside. The mother struggled with Morris and called for assistance. Eventually, she managed to open the door and retrieve her daughter.
When interviewed by the police, the girl claimed that Morris tightened his grip on her hand when he pulled her into the back room. She also stated that he ranted about her parents being “trash and terrible people.” The girl admitted to being terrified, thinking she was being kidnapped.
The girl confirmed that Morris did not make any sexual advances towards her. Police estimated that Morris allegedly detained the girl for approximately two minutes before her mother reached her.
Another Subway employee told police that he heard the mother’s cries for help and responded. He reported seeing Morris allegedly pulling the girl away and hearing the ensuing commotion. He also noted that Morris was behaving strangely and believed the girl could be in danger.
After being read his rights, Morris chose to exercise his right to remain silent and declined to make a statement. He posted a $5,000 bond after being charged with one count of false imprisonment of a child under 13. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 13.