Police Say Black Man Who Left His Kids at McDonald’s Lied, Was Not at a Job Interview

Nationwide — Police in Georgia are now saying that key parts of Chris Louis’ viral story—about leaving his three young children alone at a McDonald’s while attending a job interview—don’t add up. The 24-year-old was arrested on March 22 at a McDonald’s in Augusta after officers found his children, ages 10, 6, and 1, had been left unattended in the restaurant for more than 90 minutes. Initially, Louis claimed he had no transportation and left the kids at the play area while walking to a nearby hotel for a job interview. But new evidence has caused investigators to question that narrative.

According to The Augusta Chronicle, witnesses reported seeing Louis inside the McDonald’s around 4:30 p.m., talking on the phone and saying he needed to “drop something off.” Investigators later learned that he had left the restaurant to deliver a backpack. Meanwhile, the children’s 10-year-old sibling eventually called their mother, who arrived at the restaurant around 6:12 p.m., deeply concerned. Louis reportedly returned a few minutes later with the backpack in hand, telling police he had lost his ID and another card and had been retracing his steps.

The story quickly gained national attention after Louis was charged with deprivation of a minor. Sympathy poured in, and a GoFundMe campaign launched by former NFL player Antonio Brown raised more than $78,000, surpassing its $50,000 goal. Brown wrote that he hadn’t yet spoken with Louis but had been in contact with GoFundMe to ensure the funds would reach the family. Supporters praised Louis for attempting to improve his life despite difficult circumstances.

However, further police investigation contradicted Louis’ initial claim about attending a job interview during the time his kids were left alone. The manager of the West Bank Inn, where Louis said the interview took place, confirmed he did fill out an application—but hours earlier than he claimed, well before the incident at McDonald’s. This discrepancy has added to the mounting doubts about his version of events.

Law enforcement officials now say there’s no indication that Louis was actively attending a job interview when the children were left behind. Instead, they believe he left the restaurant for other reasons and misled both authorities and the public. The situation has sparked debate online, with some urging caution before donating to viral fundraisers and others calling for compassion and deeper examination of the hardships many parents face.

Louis remains in legal jeopardy as the case unfolds. While the GoFundMe funds remain in limbo pending further review, questions continue to swirl around his intentions and the accuracy of his account. Authorities say they are still gathering evidence, but the initial wave of support has now turned into a more complicated story about parenting, poverty, and public perception.