On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Deputy Melo was dispatched to the 2600 block of E. Sam Houston Pkwy S regarding a traffic hazard. The reported obstacle? A large tote is sitting in a moving lane of traffic.
Upon arrival, Deputy Melo safely removed the tote from the roadway and quickly realized it was much heavier than it looked. Curious about its contents, he opened the container and discovered something that would make any collector’s heart skip a beat—multiple packages of Pokémon cards!
Knowing someone was likely frantically searching for their missing treasure, Deputy Melo began the search for the owner. What followed was a true team effort. Sgt. Peters and our resident Pokémon expert, Deputy Crider, put their investigative skills to work. Their search led them to Cantu Collectables, a local card store hosting a card show in Webster that same day.
Deputy Crider contacted Mr. Cantu, who graciously made a public announcement at the event. Much like finding a rare holographic card, the effort paid off—the owner was found!
Sgt. Peters later met with Mr. Valles, who accurately described the contents of the tote and stated that the collection was valued at well over $600. Mr. Valles was deeply appreciative of the efforts to safeguard his collection and reunite him with his prized Pokémon cards.
While our deputies are always prepared to respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, and serve the community, the job sometimes includes helping a Pokémon trainer recover their lost inventory.
In this case, we can proudly say the mission was a success, and everyone involved helped “catch” a happy ending.

Summary
On June 13, 2026, Deputy Melo responded to a report of a traffic hazard on E. Sam Houston Pkwy S, where he discovered a large tote obstructing the roadway. Upon inspection, he unearthed an unexpected treasure: multiple packages of Pokémon cards. Recognizing the potential distress of the owner, Deputy Melo initiated efforts to locate them.
His inquiry quickly evolved into a collaborative endeavor with Sgt. Peters and Deputy Crider, the latter being a Pokémon enthusiast. Their investigation pointed them to Cantu Collectables, a nearby card store hosting an event that day. Deputy Crider contacted the store’s owner, Mr. Cantu, who made an announcement at the show to help find the rightful owner.
The efforts proved fruitful; Mr. Valles, who accurately described the contents of the tote, was located. His collection, valued at over $600, was safely returned to him. Grateful for the deputies’ dedication, Valles expressed profound appreciation for their assistance, highlighting a unique aspect of police work that merges community service with a touch of nostalgia.
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Precinct 8 Constables