A South Carolina man was arrested after allegedly leaving his 6-year-old daughter alone outside a Target store overnight while he waited in line for Pokémon cards.
Charleston police said John-Michael Dooley, 35, of Johns Island, was arrested Nov. 6 and charged with unlawful conduct toward a child. His daughter was not hurt and was placed in emergency protective custody with the state Department of Social Services.
Officers were called to the West Ashley store at about 2:30 a.m. after people reported finding a child asleep outside. Police said Dooley had given his daughter a pillow and blanket, then left her there sometime after 1 a.m. Witnesses called police about an hour later.
Several customers had gathered outside the store overnight, hoping to buy a newly released Pokémon trading card set. Witnesses told police Dooley had been waiting in line with his daughter and identified him when he returned.
According to police, Dooley told detectives he had gone home and left the girl unattended so he could keep his place in line and avoid missing the chance to buy the cards. Police have not said whether he planned to buy them for himself or his daughter.
Dooley said media reports about his arrest contained inaccuracies, but declined to explain further on his attorney’s advice. Target said the store was closed during the incident and that it would cooperate with the investigation.
Court records set Dooley’s bond at $40,000. He has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 18.
