Georgia Dad Arrested for Leaving Kids at McDonald’s During Job Interview

A Georgia father of three was arrested after leaving his young children unattended at a McDonald’s while attending a nearby job interview, sparking online debate and a wave of support.

Chris Louis, 24, reportedly walked with his children—ages 1, 6, and 10—from their apartment to the fast-food restaurant in Augusta before 4:30 p.m. on March 22, according to The Augusta Press. He left them inside the restaurant, which has an indoor play area, while he attended his interview.

A concerned customer noticed Louis briefly return to check on his kids before leaving again and contacted authorities. Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to find the children unharmed but unaccompanied. They remained under police supervision until Louis returned just before 6:20 p.m., when officers confronted him.

Louis, who does not own a car, told police he left the children at McDonald’s to avoid making them walk home while he pursued job opportunities. Their mother later arrived to take them home, while Louis was arrested and charged with deprivation of a minor.

The case gained widespread attention online, with former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown among those who weighed in.

“The story caught me by surprise. A dad just trying to find a way to make money for his family. I know he shouldn’t have left his kids, but some people don’t have the means for babysitting,” Brown wrote on GoFundMe, where he launched a fundraiser to support Louis.

Brown, 36, personally donated $1,000, and the campaign quickly raised over $28,000 toward its $50,000 goal within the first five hours.

The arrest sparked debate on social media, with some condemning Louis’ decision while others expressed sympathy.

“You simply can’t leave your kids like that, and I get how this happened. But there are plenty of questions,” one X user wrote.

Another commented, “It’s a little iffy with the 1-year-old, but dude was trying to get a job. Give him a break.”

Others defended him, calling his actions a desperate attempt to improve his family’s situation.

“Dude was literally doing the best he could with what he has. I commend him for that. It’s not easy,” another post read.