Man wanted for prying open Make-A-Wish Ms. Pac-Man machine at Utica Dave & Busters, stealing $200-300

UTICA (WWJ) — Utica police are searching for a man who allegedly stole from an arcade machine that helps raise money for children with critical illnesses.

Around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, Utica police officers were called to investigate at the Dave & Buster’s near Van Dyke and Hall Road.

The suspect allegedly targeted the Make-A-Wish Ms. Pac-Man machine in the lobby, prying open the plexiglass donation bin access door and taking $200-300, according to police.

The machine is clearly marked with a sign declaring all donations benefit Make-A-Wish, a foundation that grants wishes to critically ill children.

The sign says "donate any amount from 25¢ to $100 and receive one free play” and “benefitting Make-A-Wish” in large letters.

Utica police officials on Monday released a photo of the suspect in hopes the public can help identify him.

“This young man has a wish to meet officers at the Utica Police Department. He caught our attention on October 12th 2024 at approximately 9:30pm and let us know he wanted to meet us so bad while at Dave and Busters in Utica while hanging around the Make-A-Wish Pac-Man donation machine in the Dave and Busters lobby,” said a post on the department’s Facebook page .

Officials are asking anyone who recognizes the man or knows something about the alleged theft to call the Utica Police Department.