Police Say Suspect In Theft Of Pokémon Cards May Have Targeted Other Businesses

A California man is facing charges for allegedly stealing 100 or more packs of Pokémon cards from a convenience store, and police say there could be additional victims.

The Visalia Police Department said officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at the ARCO AM/PM convenience store on North Dinuba Boulevard in Visalia at around 9:50 a.m. on April 25. According to witnesses, the suspect stole a display case containing 100–120 packs of Pokémon cards valued at around $1,000.

Store employees followed the suspect to his vehicle, but the man lifted his shirt to show a firearm tucked into his waistband, so the employees backed away and called 911 as he fled the scene.

The Visalia PD Violent Crimes Unit identified the suspect as 30-year-old Michael Baker of Fresno. Investigators later learned Baker was allegedly involved in thefts of Pokémon cards from multiple Fresno-area businesses.

On Sunday, April 27, Baker was arrested by McFarland Police Department officers and was transported to Visalia for questioning. Baker was booked into the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility for armed robbery.

Detectives say the investigation remains ongoing, and businesses that believe they may have been targeted by Baker are urged to contact Detective Sam Gonzales at 559-713-4576. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward or submit an anonymous tip.