A jarring incident unfolded on the final day of the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, leaving a New Jersey sports card dealer in disbelief as he became the victim of a theft amounting to approximately $275,000 in cash. The unfortunate incident took place at the I-X Center as the 48-year-old dealer was in the process of loading his SUV after concluding the event on Sunday, July 28.
The dealer had carefully stashed the cash, along with two iPads, in a secure black briefcase inside his vehicle. Assuming he had locked his SUV, he was taken aback to discover upon his return that the briefcase had mysteriously vanished.
Upon being alerted, Cleveland Police First District detectives swiftly launched an investigation into the matter. They later located the discarded black briefcase, complete with an air tag, on the premises of the I-X Center. Unfortunately, the substantial sum of money that had been carefully stored inside the briefcase had been cruelly pilfered.
Efforts are now underway to identify and apprehend the culprits responsible for the brazen theft. Authorities are currently on the lookout for two suspects who were spotted making their getaway in a blue Honda Odyssey van following the theft.
In a bid to gather critical information that could aid in solving the case, members of the public are being urged to step forward with any details they may have regarding the theft. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to reach out to the First District Detective Unit by calling (216) 623-5118 or anonymously contacting the Crime Stoppers tip line at (216) 252-7463.
The shocking theft serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in transporting and storing valuable items, even within supposedly secure environments such as high-profile events like the National Sports Collectors Convention. As investigations continue and efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice are intensified, the dealer involved and law enforcement authorities remain hopeful that the stolen funds will be recovered and the perpetrators swiftly brought to justice.