A Jacksonville Subway manager is out on bond after being accused of locking a 10-year-old girl inside a back room of the sandwich shop where he worked.
James Anthony Morris Jr., 33, was arrested Monday by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and charged with false imprisonment of a child under 13. The disturbing incident unfolded after the young girl accidentally walked across a freshly mopped floor inside the Subway restaurant, according to an arrest report obtained by Law&Crime.
Witnesses say the girl’s mother told her to apologize to Morris for stepping on the clean floor. But instead of accepting the apology, Morris allegedly grabbed the child by the hand and led her into the back of the store — then locked her inside a room.
At first, the mother thought Morris was joking. But when she tried to open the door and realized he was holding it shut, panic set in. She reportedly fought with Morris and screamed for help until she was able to force the door open and rescue her daughter.
When police interviewed the girl, she said Morris tightened his grip as he pulled her away and began ranting that her parents were “trash and terrible people.” The girl told officers she was terrified and thought she was being kidnapped. Thankfully, she also confirmed that Morris did not touch her inappropriately.
A second employee who witnessed the incident said he heard the commotion and saw Morris dragging the girl. He told police Morris was “acting weird” and believed the girl could be in danger.
Police estimate the girl was locked in the room for roughly two minutes before her mother got to her.
After being read his rights, Morris refused to give a statement and invoked his right to remain silent. He later posted a $5,000 bond and was released from jail.
Morris is scheduled to appear in court on August 13.
The mother was there and saw what happened, so I doubt he was trying to kidnap her or abuse her, just scare her which makes no sense. Did she refuse to apologize after walking on the floor, he had just washed? Sure, was not a fitting punishment. Did the mom know she was walking on a wet floor? Was she going to a restroom or for some soda or topping? Some unanswered questions, but certainly not a just punishment for stepping in a wet area and there should have been some kind of barrier there to keep people away, as anyone could slip and really hurt themselves.
Wonder how many got extra special sauce on their subs at that location?
Did the girl and her mother get their subway sandwiches 🥪???
What was he going to do with a ten year old? No good I bet!