Jacksonville, FL – James Anthony Morris Jr., a 33-year-old Subway manager in Jacksonville, is out on bail after being arrested for allegedly imprisoning a 10-year-old girl behind a locked door at his workplace. Morris faces charges of false imprisonment of a child under the age of 13.
Incident Details
According to an arrest report reviewed by Law&Crime, the incident occurred when Morris was mopping the floor at the Subway sandwich shop.
A 10-year-old girl, who had walked across the freshly mopped floor, was asked by her mother to apologize to Morris. Morris allegedly grabbed the girl’s hand and led her to the back of the restaurant.
He then locked her in a room, and the girl’s mother began to panic. Initially thinking that Morris was joking, the mother tried to open the door, but Morris allegedly pushed it closed, trapping the girl inside.
Mother’s Response
The mother struggled with Morris and shouted for help. Eventually, she managed to open the door and retrieve her daughter.
Girl’s Account
When police spoke to the girl, she described how Morris gripped her hand tighter when pulling her into the back room. According to the report, Morris began ranting at the girl, calling her parents “trash” and “terrible people.”
The girl was terrified and feared that she was being kidnapped. She confirmed to authorities that there was no sexual advance from Morris.
Witness Accounts
Another Subway employee heard the mother’s cries for help and went to investigate. The employee told police that he witnessed Morris pulling the girl away and that he believed the girl was in danger due to Morris’ strange behavior.
Morris’ Arrest and Bail
Morris was arrested on Monday by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. After invoking his right to remain silent, Morris refused to provide a statement to the police. He was later released on $5,000 bond after being booked into jail.
Morris faces one charge of false imprisonment. His next court date is scheduled for August 13.
