Disturbance at Sidney McDonald's Leads to Arrest

SIDNEY—A man described to be in his mid-20s was arrested by Sidney Police late Sunday afternoon for Disturbing the Peace and booked into the Cheyenne County Jail early Sunday evening. At press time, the man was awaiting a court appearance, most likely to have occurred on Monday, September 23, to determine his mental fitness and to move forward with the charges lodged against him.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:16 p.m. on September 22, when employees at the McDonald’s location in Sidney called Sidney Police concerning a man who causing a disturbance inside the restaurant. The Sun-Telegraph spoke with Sidney Police Investigator Sam Lovato, who was able to provide details of the incident. A man in his mid-20s, not from Sidney, was in the restaurant late Sunday afternoon and demanded money from employees believing that he had won a contest and was entitled to a cash prize. The man explained that there was a mural on the wall that had some sort of maze or puzzle and that if he could correctly get through the puzzle to the end, there was a treasure chest at the end spot that indicated that he was entitled to a cash prize.

Although the man was not violent or belligerent, he refused to leave the restaurant, prompting employees to call the Sidney Police Department.

Sidney Police Investigator Sam Lovato said that the man appeared confused, and told the responding officers that he just wanted the prize he believed he had won. The man was not violent nor did he possess any weapons, and seemed genuinely confused about what was happening. The man was not traveling with companions and said he did not understand why he was being arrested. Sidney Police officers transported the man to the Cheyenne County Jail where he awaited a court appearance.

The Sun-Telegraph went to the McDonald’s location Monday morning and attempted to speak with the manager on duty for clarification of the incident. The manager directed any inquiries to the McDonald’s corporate offices, as per corporate policy. Upon examination of the restaurant both inside and outside, there appeared to be no murals of any kind, much less a mural with a puzzle and treasure chest. The Sun-Telegraph spoke with Cheyenne County Sheriff Adam Frerichs concerning the incident. He said although it appeared this particular incident could be related to a mental health issue, he said that is not for the Sheriff’s Office to determine. He said that most likely the man would appear in court on Monday, September 23, 2024 and the Cheyenne County Prosecutor’s Office and the judge will determine whether or not the man will be sent for a mental health evaluation or another course of action.