What started as an early morning shopping trip turned into a police matter when collectors came to blows over Pokémon cards.

In an incident that highlights the intense demand for collectible trading cards, Ottawa police arrested two men following a physical altercation at a Barrhaven Costco on Monday morning. The fight broke out around 7:15 a.m. in the store’s parking lot strip mall area on Strandherd Drive, where eager customers had lined up hoping to snag high-demand Pokémon cards.

The Incident

According to police reports, multiple people were involved in the confrontation, with two adult males sustaining minor injuries during the scuffle. Officers responded quickly to the scene after receiving reports of an altercation over what they initially described as a “high-demand item.”

Both suspects were arrested and charged with assault, though police have not released their identities.

A Growing Trend

This incident isn’t isolated. The collectibles market has exploded in recent years, with rare Pokémon cards sometimes selling for thousands of dollars. Limited releases and special editions create intense competition among collectors, occasionally leading to chaos at retail locations.

The passion for these nostalgic cards—which first launched in the late 1990s—has only intensified, driven by both longtime fans and investors viewing them as valuable assets.

A Holiday Shopping Reminder

The Ottawa Police Service used the incident as an opportunity to remind shoppers about maintaining civility during the busy shopping season.

“Friendly reminder: please be patient with others while shopping during sales and leading into the holidays,” police said in their statement.

As Black Friday approaches and holiday shopping ramps up, this altercation serves as a stark reminder that no collectible—no matter how rare or valuable—is worth resorting to violence. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or chasing that elusive holographic Charizard, keeping things peaceful should always be the priority.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Ottawa Police.