LAKE PARK, Fla. — A Florida man is behind bars after authorities say he used a chainsaw to slice his way into a collectibles store, escaping with thousands of dollars worth of Pokémon Trading Card Game merchandise.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 33-year-old Clayton Warren in connection with the bizarre overnight burglary. The incident occurred during the early hours of May 21 at the Collection Realm shop in Lake Park, Florida.
According to investigators, store surveillance footage captured a suspect attempting to smash the storefront’s hurricane-resistant window with a large rock. When that failed, the suspect switched tactics, utilizing a battery-powered chainsaw to cut directly through the glass.
TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN MERCHANDISE STOLEN
Police report that the suspect managed to carve a large triangular opening into the window to gain access to the business. Once inside, the intruder allegedly looted roughly $12,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards, including high-value sleeved collectibles and bulk inventory packs.
However, the perpetrator left behind critical evidence. Forensic investigators discovered blood at the crime scene, which directly helped authorities link physical evidence to the suspect.
Detectives also reviewed past security footage and discovered a man matching Warren’s description visiting the exact same shop just days prior to the heist. Store staff noted the individual spent several hours browsing the high-value merchandise.
HIGH-TECH TRACKING LEADS TO ARREST
Law enforcement successfully tracked a vehicle tied to the suspect by utilizing local license plate reader technology. Armed with a search warrant, authorities eventually located and arrested Warren at a residence in nearby West Palm Beach.
Warren now faces multiple felony charges, including burglary of an unoccupied structure and grand theft involving property valued between $10,000 and $20,000.
The unusual nature of the crime quickly generated significant attention online, highlighting the increasingly aggressive black market surrounding vintage and modern trading cards. In recent years, the booming Pokémon card market has triggered a wave of retail thefts, counterfeit scams, parking lot altercations, and targeted police sting operations.
Following the arrest, the owners of Collection Realm issued a statement on social media thanking the local community for their support and expressing gratitude that the store was empty and no one was injured during the break-in.
