COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A local trading card store that was targeted in an early-morning break-in said it was able to carry on with a scheduled event after customers and community members arrived to help clean up the damage.
Damage, theft and a quick community response
Geena and David Kile, who run the Deck Depot Trading Card Lounge, told reporters the business was forced to pick up the pieces after someone forced entry into the shop and destroyed display cases before taking a number of collectible cards.
The couple said they learned of the incident when they received a call Saturday morning. According to their account, the intruder came through the front door, used a crowbar to break glass cases and removed both Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering cards.
By the time the owners reached the store to begin assessing the losses, customers were already on site helping to clean and organize. The store had planned a tournament for the day, and the volunteer efforts meant the event went forward as scheduled.
“They broke through the front door, they came in, smashed our cases with a crowbar, stole a bunch of our Pokémon cards, stole some of our Magic stuff and then left,”
The Kiles posted on their community Discord server as soon as they became aware of the break-in. One of the owners said patrons began arriving before the owners reached the shop and immediately began aiding the clean-up.
Arrest and charges
Colorado Springs Police said they made an arrest in the case. Authorities have identified the suspect as Tyson Dunckel. He faces several criminal charges related to the incident.
| Alleged charge | Count |
|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 counts |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1 count |
| Narcotic possession | 1 count |
The police statement did not provide further details about the alleged circumstances or whether additional charges could be filed. The lodge and its owners now face the often-difficult work of inventorying losses and repairing physical damage.
Small businesses, collectible markets and local impact
Trading card stores depend on the trust and presence of a local community: they host events, tournaments and trade nights that bring regular foot traffic and regular revenue. The Kiles said a tournament was planned for the day of the break-in, and the swift assistance from patrons allowed it to proceed.
- Customers and community members arrived to help clean and organize the store prior to the owners' arrival.
- The scheduled tournament proceeded as planned thanks to volunteer support.
- Police arrested a suspect and said charges were being applied.
Collectible card markets, particularly for Pokémon and Magic cards, can carry substantial value for specific individual cards or sealed products. Losses from theft can therefore hit small retailers in both immediate stock value and long-term customer confidence.
Local businesses that serve as hubs for hobbyists and families often rely on in-person events to sustain earnings and community ties. When physical storefronts are damaged or inventories are stolen, owners must juggle repairs, insurance claims and event continuity.
Community resilience and next steps
For now, the owners thanked the patrons and neighbors who helped clean up and support the tournament. The public response highlights how closely tied such businesses are to their communities, where regular customers frequently act as more than patrons — they are volunteers, promoters and informal custodians of shared spaces.
The police continue to handle the investigation. The Deck Depot Trading Card Lounge will be assessing the extent of any losses and repairs and working through the appropriate reporting and insurance procedures. The store's ability to host planned events despite the break-in demonstrates a level of resilience that both owners and customers emphasized as critical in the aftermath.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Colorado Springs Police. The lounge has not released a detailed list of stolen items or an assessment of the total value of losses.
