AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 7, 2026
Incident at Charleston Target During Pokémon Card Release
A 35-year-old man was arrested in Charleston, South Carolina, early Friday morning after allegedly leaving his 6-year-old daughter unattended outside a Target store. The incident occurred during the highly anticipated release of a new Pokémon trading card set, according to the Charleston Police Department.
Child Found Alone in Line
Officers responded to the Target located in the West Ashley neighborhood around 2:30 a.m. after receiving reports of an unattended child. Upon arrival, authorities found the girl asleep and alone outside the store, where numerous customers had gathered to purchase the latest Pokémon cards. The new expansion, titled “Mega Evolution — Delta Reign,” went on sale that day, drawing significant crowds and prompting many to line up overnight. Packs reportedly start at around $5.
Father Identified and Arrested
The police identified the father as John-Michael Dooley, a resident of Johns Island, South Carolina. Witnesses informed officers that Dooley had provided the child with a pillow and blanket and left her to sleep in line sometime after 1 a.m. Roughly an hour later, after Dooley had not returned, concerned customers contacted police.
Police Response and Charges
According to a police news release, Dooley returned to the scene while officers were present and was identified by witnesses. He admitted to authorities that he had gone home, leaving his daughter unattended in order to maintain his spot in the line for the Pokémon card release. The release did not specify if Dooley intended to buy the cards for his daughter or himself.
Child's Welfare and Legal Outcome
Police reported that the child was unharmed. She was taken into emergency protective custody by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Dooley was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child. He is currently held at the Al Cannon Detention Center. Requests for comment were not immediately successful, according to the police release.
Background on Pokémon Card Craze
The Pokémon Trading Card Game, part of a decades-old Japanese franchise, has long attracted dedicated fans, sometimes resulting in long lines and high demand for new releases. The latest expansion continues the trend, underscoring the enduring popularity of Pokémon cards among collectors and players alike.
Source: nbcnews.com.
