The final day of the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland took a distressing turn as a sports card dealer fell victim to a costly theft. Hailing from New Jersey, the 48-year-old dealer found himself at the center of a crime scene after reporting the disappearance of approximately $275,000 in cash from his vehicle on Sunday, July 28.
The theft transpired at the bustling I-X Center, with the dealer in the midst of loading his SUV post-event when the unfortunate incident unfolded. Safely tucked away in a black briefcase within the vehicle were the stolen cash and two iPads. Despite believing he had secured his SUV before walking away, the dealer returned to find the briefcase gone, its contents vanished into thin air.
Upon investigation, Cleveland Police First District detectives confirmed the discovery of the briefcase, complete with an air tag, on the I-X Center premises. Regrettably, the significant sum of money that had been housed within was nowhere to be found.
The authorities are currently on the lookout for two suspects observed fleeing the scene in a blue Honda Odyssey van, their identities shrouded in mystery. To aid in their efforts, individuals who possess any information concerning the theft are urged to reach out to the First District Detective Unit at (216) 623-5118 or the Crime Stoppers tip line at (216) 252-7463.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and security, especially in high-traffic events where valuable assets are present. The aftermath of the theft left a sour note on what was meant to be a celebratory gathering of sports collectors and enthusiasts, underscoring the need for enhanced measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
