Two juveniles in San Francisco, California, are facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a Pokémon card collection from a local seller. As per the police, the victim was pepper-sprayed before he got his cards taken away during what appeared to be a normal purchase meet-up.
According to a press release issued by the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), the incident occurred on May 28, 2026. At around 3:16 p.m., SFPD officers responded to the area of Holyoke and Felton Streets.
Officers had been informed of a robbery that had occurred in the area. Upon arrival, they came across the victim, who had suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
While paramedics tended to the victim, police learned exactly what had gone down. Apparently, it was all Pokémon cards.
Pokémon Card Robbery
While talking to the victim, officers learned that he had posted online about selling his Pokémon trading card collection. At one point, he was contacted by an interested party, and they agreed on a location to make the sale.
The seller arrived at the park and waited for the potential buyer. Eventually, the supposedly innocent individual arrived and greeted him.
The Pokémon cards were inspected, and, apparently, the sale was about to be completed. However, instead of handing out money, the suspect allegedly pepper-sprayed him, taking the cards.
Suspect Flees, Is Located
According to the SFPD, the suspect then exited the park and got in a vehicle waiting for him. Two additional suspects were inside the car, which later drove off, leaving the pepper-sprayed Pokémon card owner behind.
A day later, SFPD’s Real Time Investigation Center utilized FLOCK to help locate the vehicle. Shortly after, they did, and plainclothes officers (that is, officers who wear civilian clothing) were informed that the vehicle was located near Van Ness Avenue and Mission Street.
A drone was deployed shortly after to surveil the vehicle, as shown in the clip attached above. Eventually, the suspects were seen exiting the car near O’Farrell and Polk Streets.
Findings, Charges
Plainclothes officers continued to surveil until they were able to positively identify the suspects. Shortly after, once a plan was formulated, officers took the juveniles into custody.
A search was conducted on the suspects’ vehicle. Inside, they allegedly found “possible evidence pertaining to the robbery,” potentially the stolen Pokémon card collection. This evidence was seized, and the vehicle was towed. A similar search was carried out at a suspect’s residence, where more evidence was found, police said.
Two juveniles are now facing charges of second-degree robbery and conspiracy. They have been booked into the Juvenile Justice Center. Given their ages, their names or photos have not been disclosed.