Why It Matters
A South Carolina father faces a child-related charge after police say his 6-year-old daughter was left alone outside a Charleston Target during an overnight Pokémon card release.
What Happened
John-Michael Dooley, 35, was arrested in Charleston after officers responded to a report of an unattended child at a Target in the city’s West Ashley neighborhood.
Police arrived at about 2:30 a.m. and found the girl alone. Customers told officers that Dooley had left her with a pillow and blanket sometime after 1 a.m. while he held his place in line for the Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion “Mega Evolution – Delta Reign.”
Concerned customers contacted police after waiting about an hour without Dooley returning. He later came back to the store and was identified by witnesses.
Police said Dooley acknowledged leaving his daughter unattended to keep his position in line. The child was unharmed and was placed in emergency protective custody with the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
Dooley was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child and is being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center. He declined to discuss the allegations in detail, citing advice from his attorney. Dooley said, “media coverage has been inaccurate,” but did not identify what he believed was incorrect.
By the Numbers
35 — John-Michael Dooley’s age
6 — the child’s age
2:30 a.m. — approximate time officers responded
1 a.m. — approximate time Dooley left the child
about an hour — approximate time customers waited before calling police
around $5 — starting price for Pokémon card packs
Zoom Out
The Pokémon expansion went on sale Friday, prompting customers to line up at stores. The arrest followed a report involving a child at one Charleston location.
What’s Next
Dooley remains held at the Al Cannon Detention Center while the child is in emergency protective custody with the South Carolina Department of Social Services.