Charleston Man Arrested for Leaving 6-Year-Old Daughter Alone in Target Line for Pokémon Cards

Child Left Outside West Ashley Target for Pokémon Cards

A 35-year-old Johns Island man was arrested early Friday morning after police say he abandoned his 6-year-old daughter in a line outside a Target store to secure his place for a new Pokémon trading card release. Charleston police responded to the West Ashley retail location at approximately 2:30 a.m. following reports of an unattended child, according to WCSC.

The incident highlights the extreme lengths to which some collectors will go to secure high-demand merchandise. Witnesses reported that the father, identified as John-Michael Dooley, had set up a pillow and blanket for his daughter around 1:00 a.m. before leaving the premises. After an hour passed without his return, other customers in the queue grew concerned and contacted authorities.

The Charges and Custody Status

Upon his return to the store, witnesses identified Dooley to responding officers. According to WYFF4, Dooley admitted to detectives that he had returned home and left the young girl alone in the line specifically to maintain his position for the card drop.

Dooley is currently facing a charge of unlawful conduct toward a child. As of the latest reports from CountOn2, he is being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center. The child was found unharmed by responding officers and has since been placed into emergency protective custody with the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Retail Demand and Consumer Behavior

The rush for Pokémon trading cards has become a recurring phenomenon that frequently strains retail operations and local law enforcement resources. These releases often see collectors queuing hours, or even days, in advance due to the high resale value of specific, rare card sets.

While the hobby is widespread, the behavior observed in West Ashley marks a significant departure from standard retail participation. The situation underscores the tension between consumer enthusiasm and the basic responsibilities of guardianship. By prioritizing a retail transaction over the safety of a minor, the incident has drawn sharp criticism from the community, as customers who were waiting alongside the child were the ones to initiate the call to police.

Charleston police vehicle — Photo: counton2.com

Legal and Social Stakes

Under South Carolina law, unlawful conduct toward a child is a serious charge that carries significant legal weight. The decision to leave a 6-year-old unattended in a public parking lot overnight created an immediate safety risk, leading to the intervention of state social services.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when the intensity of the collector market overrides parental judgment. While retailers often manage lines to prevent disorder, they are not equipped to supervise minors left in their care. As of Friday, there have been no further details released regarding the specific card set that prompted such a drastic decision, but the incident remains an open matter within the Charleston County judicial system.