CHARLESTON — A South Carolina man is accused of leaving his 6-year-old daughter unattended to buy Pokémon cards.
35-year-old John-Michael Dooley was arrested for child neglect on Friday morning.
Police responded to a report of an unattended child at around 2:30 a.m. Nov. 6.
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Upon arrival, officers learned that the child had been waiting in line for her father by herself, according to Charleston Police.
Many customers gathered outside the Target overnight waiting for the new Pokémon trading card set.
Dooley gave his daughter a pillow and blanket around 1:00 a.m. and left her alone to sleep in the line, according to witnesses.
When an hour went by without Dooley coming back, many customers became worried.
When Dooley eventually returned, the customer identified him, and police arrested him.
During the interview, Dooley admitted that he had returned home, leaving his daughter unattended, according to Charleston Police.
He did this so he could keep his place in line to avoid missing his chance to buy the cards.
The daughter is unharmed and was placed in emergency protective custody with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).
Dooley is charged with Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child and is currently in custody at the Al Cannon Detention Center.
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