South Carolina dad arrested after allegedly leaving daughter in line for Pokémon cards: Police

Father Charged South Carolina dad arrested after allegedly leaving daughter in line for Pokémon cards: Police Police said the father left his 6-year-old daughter sleeping outside a Target. Watch ABC News live news stream and get 24/7 latest, breaking news coverage, and live video. By Shafiq Najib Sunday, November 8, 2026 10:53PM Share A South Carolina father was arrested after allegedly leaving his 6-year-old daughter sleeping outside a Target store to hold his place in line for the release of a new Pokémon trading card set, police said. John-Michael Dooley, 35, of Johns Island, was arrested Friday after officers responded to a report of an unattended child outside a Target store in Charleston's West Ashley neighborhood around 2:30 a.m., according to the Charleston Police Department. Police said numerous customers had gathered outside the store overnight in anticipation of the new Pokémon card release. Witnesses told police that Dooley gave his daughter a pillow and blanket before leaving her asleep in line sometime after 1 a.m. After approximately an hour passed without his return, concerned customers contacted police. When Dooley returned to the store, witnesses identified him to officers, and he was arrested, according to police. 'I'm In Deep Pain': Mother of Brooklyn jogger murder suspect speaks out 1 hour ago Jogger murder suspect allegedly told police he went to bike path with knife Ransomware attack knocks out key Queens library services 1 hour ago During an interview with detectives, Dooley admitted that he had returned home, leaving his daughter unattended so he could maintain his place in line and avoid missing the opportunity to purchase the cards, police said. The girl was unharmed and placed in emergency protective custody with the South Carolina Department of Social Services, police said. Dooley was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child and has since been released from custody, a Charleston Police Department spokesperson told ABC News, citing information from the Charleston County Sheriff's Office website. A Target spokesperson told ABC News on background that the store was closed at the time of the incident and said the company would cooperate with law enforcement in its investigation. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 ABC News Internet Ventures. Related Topics SOUTH CAROLINA FATHER CHARGED POKEMON TARGET CHILD ENDANGERMENT U.S. & WORLD Father arrested after 4-year-old fatally shoots himself in face in South Texas, sheriff's office says Freeport man accused of using daughter, 13, to sell cocaine Motive sought in fatal shooting of 8 children | Timeline of massacre 9-year-old girl found in an upstate NY pond drowned in a homicide Watch Live ON NOW 'I'm In Deep Pain': Mother of jogger murder suspect speaks out 1 hour ago Court records detail suspect's account in jogger's killing Ransomware attack disrupts Queens Public Library services 1 hour ago Boycott of Jewish-owned Philly businesses draws counterprotest What is Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and how is it celebrated? Seven hurt in Bronx crash near University Heights bridge Man arrested in attempted rape of 83-year-old woman in Manhattan 2 hours ago New Macy's Parade balloons take first flight