Dad Leaves Sleeping Daughter Outside Target to Save Pokémon Card Spot
A South Carolina father reportedly went home while his daughter slept outside a Target to hold his place in line for new Pokémon cards.
A father’s quest for rare Pokémon cards took a bizarre turn when he allegedly left his sleeping six-year-old daughter outside a Target to save his spot in line. According to the Charlestown Police Department, John-Michael Dooley was arrested on November 6 after witnesses reported the child was left alone with a pillow and blanket at 1 AM [1].
The incident occurred in Charleston’s West Ashley neighborhood, where numerous collectors had gathered overnight for the release of the "Mega Evolution — Delta Reign" expansion set, as reported by NBC News [2]. Dooley, 35, of Johns Island, South Carolina, reportedly gave his daughter the bedding and left her asleep in the line before driving home.
Concerned customers waited about an hour before calling authorities when the father failed to return, the Charleston Police Department said in a news release shared with NBC News [2]. Officers arrived around 2:30 AM to find the girl unattended. When Dooley eventually strolled up to the store, witnesses identified him, and he was taken into custody, according to TMZ [1].
Police stated that Dooley admitted to leaving his daughter behind to keep his place in line and returning home, TMZ reported [1]. The child was found unharmed and placed into emergency protective custody with the South Carolina Department of Social Services, NBC News noted [2].
Authorities have charged Dooley with unlawful conduct toward a child, and he is currently detained at the Al Cannon Detention Center, with bond set at $40,000, court records cited by TMZ indicated [1]. He is scheduled to appear in court on December 18. The release did not clarify if the cards were intended for the father or the child, NBC News reported [2].
Sources
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