A South Carolina man was arrested after police said he left his 6-year-old daughter asleep outside a Target store while he went home, reportedly to preserve his spot in line for the launch of a new Pokémon trading card collection.
John-Michael Dooley, 35, of Johns Island, was taken into custody Friday after Charleston police received a report about an unattended child outside a Target in the West Ashley area. Officers arrived at approximately 2:30 a.m., according to the Charleston Police Department.
A crowd of shoppers had reportedly gathered overnight, hoping to buy the newly released Pokémon cards when the store opened.
Witnesses told investigators that Dooley provided his daughter with a pillow and blanket before leaving her sleeping in the line shortly after 1 a.m. When about an hour passed and he still had not returned, concerned customers called police.
Officers arrested Dooley after he came back to the store and witnesses identified him, police said.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: JEFF POWELL's top five heavyweight knockouts of all-time – NewsFinale
During questioning, Dooley acknowledged that he had gone home and left his daughter without adult supervision so he could keep his position in line and have a chance to purchase the cards, according to police.
The child was not injured. Authorities placed her in emergency protective custody with the South Carolina Department of Social Services, police said.
Dooley faces a charge of unlawful conduct toward a child and has been released from custody, a Charleston Police Department spokesperson told ABC News, citing information listed on the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office website.
A Target spokesperson told ABC News on background that the store was closed when the incident occurred and that the company would cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Copyright © 2026 ABC News Internet Ventures.