GameStop Employee Charged with Manslaughter in Fatal Shooting of Shoplifter

Derrick Guerrero, a 33-year-old GameStop clerk, is now facing manslaughter charges for the fatal shooting of a shoplifter who attempted to steal five boxes of high-value Pokémon Scarlet & Violet trading cards from the store’s Fort Lauderdale location in a suburban strip mall. The incident occurred on a Tuesday evening, and details were provided in a report released by the Pembroke Pines police on the subsequent Wednesday. These “ultra-premium” trading cards are valued at $120 per box.

According to the police report, as the shoplifter made a dash for the exit with the stolen merchandise, Guerrero drew a handgun from his waistband and discharged a single shot, striking the individual in the side. The shoplifter dropped the stolen cards and managed to flee to a waiting pickup truck, where a woman promptly contacted the authorities. Sadly, the shoplifter succumbed to his injuries three hours later at a local hospital. The police have not yet released the name of the deceased.

Security camera footage from the store revealed that the shoplifter had not posed a threat to Guerrero nor exhibited any weapons. In Florida, the “stand your ground” law allows the use of deadly force when there is a perceived threat of death or severe bodily harm to oneself or others. However, this does not extend to protecting property. Manslaughter is typically associated with a killing that is unplanned and occurs in the heat of the moment.

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Derrick Guerrero is currently in custody at the Broward County Jail, with bail set at $25,000. There is no information available in jail records regarding whether he has retained legal representation.

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