NEW YORK CITY — A Pokémon trading card store in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District was the scene of a brazen armed robbery Wednesday evening, when 3 masked suspects stormed inside during a community event and fled with more than $100k worth of merchandise.
The robbery occurred around 6:45 p.m. at a popular Pokémon card shop on West 13th Street. At the time, the store was hosting a scheduled gathering for collectors and fans, with roughly 40 people — including children — inside the small retail space.
Police say the suspects, all dressed in black clothing with masks and hoodies, entered the store together. One suspect allegedly brandished a firearm, threatening those inside, while the other two carried hammers and immediately began smashing glass display cases that housed rare and valuable Pokémon cards.
Witnesses described a chaotic and frightening scene as the suspects moved quickly through the store, targeting high-end collectibles. Authorities say the suspects stole more than $100,000 worth of Pokémon cards and merchandise, many of which are considered rare and can fetch thousands of dollars on the resale market. In addition, about $1,000 in cash was taken from the register, along with a cell phone.
The entire robbery lasted only a few minutes. Despite the presence of a gun, no shots were fired and no one was physically injured. However, customers and staff were left shaken by the incident.
After grabbing the merchandise, the suspects fled the store on foot, heading westbound along West 13th Street, police said. Officers responded to the scene shortly afterward, but the suspects were already gone.
As of Thursday, no arrests have been made. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from inside the store and nearby businesses in an effort to identify the suspects. Police are also asking collectors and card shop owners to remain alert in case the stolen cards appear for sale online or at resale events.
The store’s owner said that while the financial loss is significant, the primary concern was the safety of everyone inside the shop. In a statement, the owner expressed relief that no one was hurt and thanked customers and staff for remaining calm during the incident. Plans are underway to repair the damaged display cases and implement additional security measures.
The robbery underscores the growing value — and risk — associated with collectible trading cards. Pokémon cards, once considered simple children’s toys, have surged in value in recent years, with some individual cards selling for tens of thousands of dollars or more. That rise has made card shops and collectors increasingly attractive targets for theft.
Police urge anyone with information about the robbery to contact authorities as the investigation continues.
Video Credit: ABC7 New York