If we got a nickel for every time this Pokemon card store was accidentally the victim of a shooting, we’d have two nickels. That’s not a lot, but it’s odd that it happened twice.
Despite its wholesome and kid-friendly nature, Pokémon seem to attract a lot of criminals in the real world. Seriously, there have been so many Pokémon crimes that we even managed to make an entire list.
There’s been vandalism of cars with Pokémon business cards, $250,000 robberies, and armed robberies at clearance sales. It’s reaching epidemic proportions now, and a Seattle game store has become a strange little epicenter. Not so much for Pokémon-related crime, but more for crime that happens around Pokémon.
Seattle-based game store Tabletop Village’s main business is selling the Pokémon Trading Card Game and hosting tournaments. On August 11, 2024, the store’s windows were shot out as collateral damage during an escalated confrontation.
The Pokemon CompanyThe folks at Tabletop Village just want to sell their Pokemon cards in peace.
On August 11, Seattle police responded to reports of a shooting in the city’s Chinatown International District. According to initial reports from FOX 13, first responders were patrol officers in the area who had heard the gunshots.
“The investigation revealed that an altercation occurred between two groups in a parking lot that escalated into gunfire,” Detective Eric Munoz told Fox. “While the shooting was taking place in the parking lot, a group of three individuals on foot across the street began firing their weapons at the group that had been shooting in the parking lot.”
Several vehicles and nearby businesses were damaged by gunfire, including Tabletop Village. Interestingly, this is the second time the business has been involved in a shooting and damaged as a result.
“This is the second time it’s happened to us,” said owner Brian Myers. “We’re making sure our voice is heard by city officials. These things happen. They happen too often. They know where they’re happening and they need to be brought under control.”
The police have not yet been able to comment on the reason for the shooting and the investigation is ongoing. Since it happened shortly after midnight, long after the shops closed, a connection to Pokémon can be ruled out.
