At Applebee’s Bar & Grill, located at 6211 US Hwy 6, Portage Police responded to a verbal disturbance on August 2, 2024, around 8:38 PM.
A female who was with the subject and was shouting welcomed officers when they arrived at the scene. The dispatch had earlier alerted the officers to multiple females screaming and threatening people. As the officers began conversing with her, two adults, and several juveniles, came out and stood next to her.
The woman then explained to the officers that they had been involved in a verbal altercation with the Applebee’s manager. She had mistakenly assumed that if one person ordered the “All You Can Eat” meal, it would be good for the entire table. However, the manager clarified that each person had to pay $15.99 for the meal special, which led to an exchange of words.
According to the woman, the manager’s conduct towards her was incredibly unprofessional. She pointed out to the officers that the menu did not state “per person” anywhere for the “All You Can Eat” special. However, when she showed the officers the menu, they noticed the fine print underneath the bold letters that read “All You Can Eat” which displayed “Per Person.”
While they were discussing this, a couple was leaving the restaurant, and the woman pointed out that they too had exchanged words with the manager.
As the couple left, the woman’s behavior became increasingly loud and disorderly, drawing the attention of other patrons. The officer warned her that she would be charged with disorderly conduct if she did not calm down. Even when her friend tried to quiet her down, the woman was unable to control her behavior.
At one point, her friend even placed her hand over her mouth to try to quiet her, but it was of no use.
Despite being warned multiple times for her disorderly conduct, the woman persisted in shouting and behaving in a disruptive manner. As a result, the officer had no choice but to approach her and inform her that she was going to be arrested. Swiftly, the officer handcuffed her and guided her to the patrol vehicle.
After discovering that the menu indicated the special was “per person,” Shawneesha Cobbs’ friend paid the full bill at the restaurant while Cobbs, who has since been identified as a resident of Chicago, was transported to Porter County Jail.
Shawneesha Cobbs faced a charge of disorderly conduct, which is a B-misdemeanor
