Chainsaw-wielding Florida man arrested for breaking into store and stealing $12K in Pokemon cards

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A man in Florida was arrested for reportedly breaking into a store with a chainsaw and stealing Pokemon cards worth thousands of dollars.

Clayton Warren, 33, was arrested on May 21st after police responded to a reported burglary at Collection Realm in Lake Park, according to a report from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

According to KSL, security camera footage appears to show a man attempting to break into a store. He first tried throwing a rock at the hurricane-proof window, but it didn’t work. He then used a battery-powered chainsaw to cut a triangular opening in the glass.

Investigators said blood was left behind during the break-in.

Florida man uses chainsaw to steal Pokemon cards

I was shocked to hear the store owner say that around $12,000 worth of Pokemon cards were taken! Apparently, the thieves got away with everything – both the individually sleeved, more valuable cards and those big boxes of bonus cards you get with purchases. It’s just awful!

According to police, video showed someone who looked like Warren was in the store a couple of days before, spending several hours shopping.

Investigators were able to find Warren’s mother’s car using license plate reader technology, as it had been recorded by surveillance cameras. The car was registered to an address in West Palm Beach.

Authorities obtained a search warrant and arrested Warren at the home.

He faces charges for breaking into an empty building and stealing property worth between $10,000 and $20,000.

Collection Realm shared on Instagram that they’re grateful for the overwhelming support and kind messages they’ve received. Thankfully, no one was harmed, and everyone is safe. They emphasized the importance of strong security and community solidarity, especially now.

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This strange situation highlights the ongoing craze for Pokémon cards. Collectors are driving up prices for rare cards and unopened packs, and the demand has even led to arguments and fights at stores during new releases.

In recent years, stores have consistently faced challenges with popular trading cards, including high demand, people buying them up to resell at a profit (scalping), and theft, as collectors seek out valuable sets.

Pokemon cards have been targeted by thieves in unusual ways, and it’s not just about dramatic chainsaw incidents. Just this year, someone used bags of regular paper to trick sellers out of $350,000 worth of cards.

This isn’t the first Pokemon card theft involving someone from Florida. Earlier in 2024, a man attempting to steal $30,000 worth of cards was stopped by two MMA coaches who physically intervened.

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2026-05-26 16:49