Updated 13h ago · Crime
Father Arrested After Allegedly Leaving Daughter in Pokémon Card Line
Charleston police arrested a Johns Island father Nov. 6. They say he left his 6-year-old daughter asleep outside a Target to keep his spot in a Pokémon card line.
- 1 a.m.: witnesses say Dooley left her with a pillow and blanket.
- 2:30 a.m.: officers arrived after customers reported an unattended child.
- Police say Dooley admitted he went home to hold his place.
- The girl was unharmed and placed with state social services.
Why it matters: The arrest came during the launch of a new Pokémon card expansion. Customers had gathered outside the West Ashley store overnight.
- The set, Mega Evolution - Delta Reign, went on sale Nov. 6.
- Card packs start at around $5.
How 9 sources split on this story
Source landscape
Factuality
High
Mixed
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Strong LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightStrong Right
Political Bias
Coverage by lean
9 sources · 9 articles · 45% Center coverage
Center coverage, 4 sources: The center treats it as a criminal case with consumer context, though TMZ casts it as an oddity of fan culture.
USA Today1dDad left 6-year-old at Target to hold place in line for Pokémon cards, police sayTMZ1dDad Allegedly Left Sleeping Daughter Outside Target to Save Spot in Line for Pokémon CardsLaw and Crime2dDad left 6-year-old 'sleeping in line outside Target' to hold place for new Pokemon cards while he went home: PolicePennLive16hSC dad left sleeping daughter, 6, outside store to hold spot in line for Pokemon cards: Police
Left coverage, 3 sources: The left frames it as a straightforward police account of a child left alone during a crowded product launch.
NBC News2dSouth Carolina man arrested after leaving sleeping 6-year-old daughter in line for Pokémon card release, police sayCleveland.com16hSC dad left sleeping daughter, 6, outside store to hold spot in line for Pokemon cards: PoliceThe Washington Post13hDad arrested after leaving sleeping 6-year-old in line for Pokémon cards
Right2 sources
What’s next: Dooley faces a charge of unlawful conduct toward a child. His first court date is Dec. 18.
- $40,000 bond; he is held at the Al Cannon Detention Center.
- Did Dooley intend to buy the cards for himself or his daughter?
- Does Dooley have an attorney, and how will he plead?
- What will social services decide about the girl's custody?
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