South Carolina father arrested after leaving 6-year-old alone for Pokemon cards

A 35-year-old man in South Carolina has been arrested after allegedly leaving his six-year-old daughter sleeping outside a Target store in the middle of the night while he went home to hold his place in a queue for Pokemon trading cards.

According to the Charleston Police Department, John-Michael Dooley gave the child a pillow and blanket before leaving her unattended. He reportedly stayed away for around an hour, prompting concerned customers waiting outside the store to contact police. Officers arrived at the scene at approximately 2.30 am on November 6. The girl was found unharmed, while Dooley was subsequently arrested and charged with unlawful conduct toward a child.

Father left daughter alone to retain his place in the queue

The incident took place outside a Target store in West Ashley, a neighbourhood in Charleston, South Carolina, as customers gathered overnight for the release of a new Pokemon trading card collection.Police said Dooley had brought his young daughter to the store and left her sleeping outside with a pillow and blanket. He then went home, allegedly to ensure he did not lose his position in the queue.According to the police account, Dooley later admitted to detectives that he had left the child unattended so he could maintain his place in line and avoid missing the opportunity to purchase the cards.

Customers alert police after child is left unattended

Other customers waiting outside the store became concerned when they realised the six-year-old had been left without adult supervision.After Dooley failed to return for approximately an hour, witnesses contacted the police. Officers arrived at around 2.30 am on November 6, and the customers identified Dooley when he eventually returned to the store.The child was found unharmed. Following the incident, she was placed in emergency protective custody with the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Father charged with unlawful conduct toward a child

Dooley was arrested and charged with unlawful conduct toward a child. He was subsequently held at the Al Cannon Detention Center in Charleston County.According to reports, his bond was set at US$40,000, with an initial court appearance scheduled for December 18, 2026.

Pokemon card release draws overnight crowds

The queue had formed for the release of the Pokemon Trading Card Game collection Mega Evolution – Delta Reign, which went on sale on November 6.The launch attracted collectors and enthusiasts who gathered outside retail stores to purchase the new cards. Individual packs reportedly started at around US$5, with demand contributing to overnight queues.