Father Arrested After Leaving Sleeping 6-Year-Old Daughter in Line for Pokémon Cards

A South Carolina man, John-Michael Dooley, has been arrested after allegedly leaving his 6-year-old daughter asleep outside a Target store overnight in order to maintain his position in line for Pokémon cards, according to the Charleston Police Department. The incident occurred on Friday in Charleston's West Ashley district, where a group of Pokémon fans had gathered overnight in anticipation of a new set of the popular trading cards.

According to the police, officers arrived at the store around 2:30am following reports of an unattended child. Witnesses reported that Dooley had handed his daughter a blanket and a pillow around 1am before leaving her asleep in his spot in line. When Dooley did not return after an hour, concerned witnesses contacted the authorities.

Dooley eventually returned to the store and was promptly arrested. He admitted to police that he had left his daughter unattended so that he could hold his spot in the line. The girl was unharmed and placed into emergency protective custody. This incident highlights the growing popularity of Pokémon cards and their impact on families.