Charleston Police Department arrested John‑Michael Dooley, 35, on Nov. 6 after responding to a report of an unattended child at a Target store just after 2:30 a.m. The incident occurred at the Target location on the city’s West Ashley shopping corridor.
What happened
According to a police news release, Dooley and his daughter had been waiting in line with a crowd of customers who gathered overnight for the launch of the new Pokémon trading‑card set, Mega Evolution—Delta Reign. Around 1 a.m., Dooley gave his daughter a pillow and blanket, placed her in the line, and walked away to his car.
After roughly an hour passed without his return, several concerned shoppers called police. Officers arrived, found the six‑year‑old asleep in the line, and began looking for the father.
Arrest and charges
Witnesses identified Dooley when he returned to the store later that morning. Officers took him into custody without incident. During questioning, Dooley admitted that he left his daughter in the line to hold his spot while he went home.
Dooley was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child, a misdemeanor under South Carolina law. He was booked at the Al Cannon Detention Center and later released on his own recognizance, according to online jail records.
Child’s welfare
Police confirmed the child was unharmed. After the investigation, she was placed into the custody of the South Carolina Department of Social Services pending a family‑safety assessment.
Context
The Pokémon trading‑card franchise remains popular among both children and adult collectors. Standard booster packs sell for about $5, while rare cards can fetch thousands of dollars on secondary markets. The release of the Mega Evolution—Delta Reign set drew a sizable crowd of fans willing to camp overnight for a chance to purchase the newest cards.
While authorities did not specify whether Dooley intended to buy the cards for himself or his daughter, the incident highlights the lengths some parents will go to secure limited‑edition merchandise for their children. Local law‑enforcement officials emphasized that leaving a child unattended in a public place is a serious safety concern and will be prosecuted accordingly.
Community response
Neighbors and shoppers expressed a mix of disbelief and concern. One onlooker, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “It’s shocking to see a parent think it’s okay to leave a child alone in a line overnight. We need to keep our kids safe.”
The Charleston Police Department reminded residents that unattended minors should be reported immediately and that resources are available for families facing hardships that might lead to risky decisions.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
