GameStop employee accused of fatally shooting alleged Pokémon card thief
10/20/2023 12:39 pm PDT
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (TCD) -- A 33-year-old GameStop employee stands accused of fatally shooting an unarmed shoplifter this week.
According to a news release from the Pembroke Pines Police Department, on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at approximately 8:16 p.m., officers responded to a shooting at a GameStop store located at 11069 Pines Blvd. The gunshot victim, identified by WFOR-TV as 21-year-old Chadrick Coats, was transported to a local hospital for critical injuries, where he later died.
Upon further investigation, police determined the victim was shoplifting from the store, and employee Derrick Guerrero confronted him. The victim reportedly ran toward the door with $500 worth of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Ultra-Premium Collection trading cards in his possession. Guerrero allegedly pulled out a concealed firearm from his waistband and fired a single shot into the victim's torso. WFOR reports Coats dropped the cards prior to being shot.
Officers noted that "at no time did the victim threaten Guerrero or display any type of weapon."
WFOR reports that surveillance footage captured the incident. Guerrero reportedly purchased the gun after a robbery incident in the store months ago.
Police apprehended Guerrero on a charge of manslaughter.
According to WFOR, Guerrero, who worked as GameStop's assistant manager, was released from jail after posting $25,000 bond.
He reportedly addressed reporters, stating, "I want to say I'm sorry, very sorry to the family."
The store was reportedly closed as of Thursday, Oct. 19.
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