As the value of video games and gaming accessories continues to climb, retail stores across the U.S. have become prime targets for thieves. The latest example came in the form of a brazen smash-and-grab robbery at a GameStop in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood, which escalated into a dangerous police chase.
According to CBS News Chicago, the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on August 7, 2025. Armed suspects rammed a vehicle into the GameStop storefront to gain entry, then quickly loaded stolen merchandise into a second getaway car. When police arrived on the scene, one suspect’s vehicle struck an officer, prompting the officer to open fire.
The suspects fled, leading officers on a high-speed chase through the area. The pursuit came to an abrupt end when a police vehicle was struck by an uninvolved civilian car. No arrests have been made as of now, and police are actively investigating both the robbery and the use of force in the incident.
High-Value Targets Raise Security Concerns
GameStop, traditionally known for selling video games and consoles, has expanded its product offerings in recent years to include collectibles like Funko Pops, Pokémon trading cards, and high-demand electronics. These items have strong resale value, making them attractive to thieves and scalpers alike.
Some speculate that Pokémon cards or the yet-to-be-released Nintendo Switch 2 consoles could have been the primary targets in the robbery, given recent trends. In June 2025, GameStop announced a renewed focus on trading cards, which have already been the subject of numerous thefts at both independent retailers and major chains.
A Pattern of Gaming-Related Heists
This latest incident is part of a broader wave of high-profile gaming-related thefts in recent years, including large-scale Pokémon card robberies and even a Nintendo Switch 2 delivery truck heist. These crimes have raised concerns about the safety of retail workers and the growing risks posed by the lucrative resale market.
Police urge anyone with information about the Irving Park GameStop robbery to come forward. In the meantime, the store remains closed for repairs, and the community is left shaken by the violence and scale of the crime.
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