Father arrested for leaving 6-year-old alone in Pokémon card queue
A man was arrested after leaving his 6-year-old daughter alone overnight in a Pokémon card queue.
On November 6, police in Charleston, USA responded to reports of an unattended child outside a Target store around 2:30am. Officers found the 6-year-old waiting alone in line.
John-Michael Dooley, her father, had placed her there with a blanket and pillow around 1am before leaving. Dooley told police he went home so he would not lose his spot for the new Pokémon card release.
Witnesses became concerned after he did not return for an hour and called police. When Dooley returned, he was arrested and charged with unlawful conduct towards a child.
He remains in custody. The child was unharmed and placed in emergency protective custody.
- 6 years old
- Child's age
- 35 years old
- Father's age
- Approximately 1 hour
- Absence duration
- December 18
- Court appearance
Why it mattersLeaving a young child unattended overnight violates child safety laws and puts her at serious risk.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but the case highlights child neglect risks that authorities take seriously everywhere.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 18 h ago
