Gotta Catch Em All: Pokémon Robber Caught by Miami Jiu-Jitsu Pros

When it comes to Pokémon thieves in Florida, you never let them get away. You gotta catch em all. And according to WTVJ, that is exactly what happened at Pro Play Games in southwest Miami-Dade. It was a typical day at the shop, everything was pretty chill until this guy, Jasiel Manfarrol, walked in and asked to see a binder packed with Pokémon cards. But these aren't just any cards. We're talking about 3,000 cards worth over $30,000. That's a really tall price for some cardboard. Thirty grand!

The store owner hands him the binder, and next thing you know, Manfarrol grabs it and bolts for the door. AnaMilena Machado, the general manager, couldn't believe what she was seeing. It was any retail worker's worst nightmare. Her store was robbed! Except it's Pokémon cards instead of the cash register. Manfarrol even has the nerve to laugh as he makes his getaway.

Now, any good Pokémon trainer knows that you gotta catch em all! And this thief was about to get away… The owner and some bystanders try to stop him, but Manfarrol pulls out pliers and starts making stabbing motions. He’s all, "I’m going to stab you," in Spanish, no less. This dude was not playing around.

Manfarrol manages to break free, but his freedom doesn't last long. Nearby, two martial arts coaches are training at their dojo to be the very best. They see the commotion and spring into action. These guys used their ju jitsu skills to take Manfarrol down. It's like watching a pack of Pikachus beat up on a tired Cosmog. The crook never had a chance.

The whole chaotic scene was caught on surveillance video too. You see these martial arts coaches pinning Manfarrol to the ground like they're in a UFC match. Moments later, the cops roll up and slap the cuffs on him. Gotta catch em all right?

So, Manfarrol, who turns out to be homeless, ends up getting booked on charges of grand theft and aggravated assault. All for trying to swipe some Pokémon cards.

I recently found myself scouring GameStop, Best Buy and Target in Fort Myers, looking for Pokémon cards. They were for a birthday present. The birthday boy is an avid collector. I was determined to find the right ones. I am not well versed on trading cards so I  was shocked to learn that these old Pokémon cards are worth more than 10K each.

The numbers were put together by Hearts Land, on online card game site. They analyzed pricing data from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), then ranked the most valuable Pokémon cards. A spokesman for Hearts Land says, "Even during their release more than 20 years ago, first edition cards offered varying levels of rarity, with holographic or ‘shiny’ cards being the most highly prized, due to their limited appearance in Pokémon packs."

It's the holographic or holos that are on this list. The prices quoted are for first edition cards that are in  mint condition. Here are a few tips to determine if the old cards in your collection are first edition.

First, look to see if there is a black 'Edition 1' logo printed on the card. For most character cards, this will be printed halfway up the left side of the card. Next, for trainer cards, look for the logo at the bottom left corner. Also, the energy cards symbol can be found in the top right corner. Finally, for character cards there should be no shadowing around the border of the image displaying the Pokémon. 

There are cards that wont quite bring in 10k or higher. However, they are still worth a pretty penny.

Here is what to look for. These old Pokémon cards are worth more than 10K each.

Taking the top spot is the infamous holographic Charizard, with an estimated resale value of $181,900 for a gem mint condition copy. Considered one of the most sought-after cards ever, PSA reports one was last sold at collectables marketplace Goldins in January 2022 for $252,000. A near mint condition (NM 7) copy of the card could still get you $7,500.

Holographic Blastoise has an estimated resale value of $38,600. A gem mint copy of this water type Pokémon card sold for $23,433 on Ebay in January this year, according to PSA. A NM 7 holographic Blastoise is one to hold on to, valued at around $1,400. 

Holographic Chansey in gem mint condition is valued at $33,000. A perfect copy of this card last sold for $27,412 on eBay, a NM 7 grade copy is likely to only make you around $350 according to PSA price estimates. 

The psychic-type holographic Mewtwo is the only legendary Pokémon on this list with an estimated value of $20,600 for a gem mint copy. A card in less than perfect condition is significantly less. NM 7 Mewtwo (Holo) is valued at around $500. 

Holographic Venusaur is valued at $20,000 in gem mint condition. This card manages to retain much more of its value even if not in perfect condition, with a near mint copy of the card netting $1,000. 

Next, with a value of $15,000 is the holographic Clefairy card. Despite a gem mint copy of this card being less valuable than the aforementioned cards, a near mint holographic Clefairy is likely to resell for a respectable $500. 

Holographic Gyarados is the seventh most valuable in gem mint condition, with an estimated resale price of $12,000. One sold for $10,101 on Ebay in January early this year. However a NM 7 graded copy of the card is only $375.