SOUTH CAROLINA | NOVEMBER 8, 2026
The child was unharmed and placed into emergency protective custody following the incident.
A South Carolina father has been arrested after allegedly leaving his 6-year-old daughter unattended outside a Target store in the middle of the night while he went home to preserve his place in line to purchase newly released Pokémon trading cards.
According to the Charleston Police Department (CPD), John-Michael Dooley, of Johns Island, was arrested Friday, November 6, after officers responded to reports of an unattended child outside a Target store in the West Ashley neighborhood of Charleston.
Police arrived at approximately 2:30 a.m., where a crowd of customers had gathered overnight hoping to purchase the newly released Pokémon merchandise.
Witnesses told officers that Dooley had initially been waiting in line with his daughter. However, sometime after 1 a.m., he allegedly gave the little girl a pillow and blanket, left her sleeping outside the store, and departed.
After approximately an hour passed without Dooley returning, concerned customers contacted police.
When the father eventually returned to the store, witnesses identified him to responding officers, who took him into custody.
During an interview with detectives, police said Dooley admitted that he had gone home while leaving his daughter unattended in order to hold his place in line.
Child Placed in Protective Custody
Authorities confirmed that the 6-year-old girl was unharmed. She was subsequently placed into emergency protective custody with the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
Dooley was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child and booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center.
According to Charleston County court records, his bond was set at $40,000. His initial court appearance is scheduled for December 18.
The investigation and criminal proceedings remain subject to the judicial process.
Source: Charleston Police Department and Charleston County court records.
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