NEW YORK CITY (VINnews)-In a shocking incident that has left the Pokémon community rattled, three masked suspects stormed a popular Pokémon trading card store in Manhattan on Wednesday evening, holding dozens of customers at gunpoint and making off with more than $100,000 worth of merchandise.
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The robbery occurred at The Poké Court, located at 412 West 13th Street in the Meatpacking District (also referred to as Chelsea or West Village areas), around 6:45 p.m. on January 14, 2026. The store, which opened last November, was hosting its first-ever community event—an arts and crafts gathering—with more than 40 customers and staff inside when the armed individuals burst in.
According to NYPD reports and employee accounts, the suspects—described as three men wearing masks and anime-themed backpacks—quickly took control of the situation. At least one displayed a handgun, pointing it at customers and employees to keep them in place, while others wielded hammers to smash open glass display cases. Surveillance footage captured the tense moments, showing robbers brandishing weapons, customers raising their hands in fear, and the rapid smashing and grabbing of items.
The entire heist lasted just three minutes. The thieves targeted high-value Pokémon cards (including graded ones reportedly worth thousands individually, such as a Pikachu card valued at $5,500), other sealed merchandise, a small amount of cash (around $1,000 from the register), and even a cellphone from one employee. They fled westbound on West 13th Street, and no one was physically injured during the ordeal.
Store owner Courtney Chin expressed deep concern in statements to media outlets, emphasizing that the incident was about more than just financial loss. “It’s not even about the money—I wanted to create a safe place to enjoy a hobby, and not have 40 customers held at gunpoint,” she told reporters. Chin noted that the store is considering enhanced security measures, including the possibility of hiring an armed guard or doorman, as recommended by police and nearby businesses. She also confirmed that everyone inside was safe, though many were “very shaken up.”
This brazen robbery comes amid a recent wave of similar incidents targeting Pokémon card shops and collectibles across the country. In the past week alone, comparable armed thefts have been reported in cities like Boston, Los Angeles, and Seattle, highlighting the rising value of rare Pokémon cards and merchandise in the secondary market.
As of January 15, 2026, the NYPD is actively investigating, with an urgent manhunt underway for the suspects. No arrests have been made, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion online and in the Pokémon community about safety at hobby events and the growing risks associated with high-value collectibles. For many fans, what should have been a fun, welcoming gathering turned into a terrifying ordeal. The Poké Court has since reopened, with the owner prioritizing the well-being of customers and staff as they recover.
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