Cops on hunt for alleged check thief

By Michelle Lovato

Leader reporter

reporter@leaderadvertiser.com

POLSON – At press time, Polson police force members were on an active man hunt for Asa Alan Lerhrke (Ace-uh Lur-kee) who is wanted in connection with several local crimes.

Polson police believe Lehrke “is in possession of several stolen check books along with camera surveillance capturing Lehrke and his companions cashing the checks at area businesses,” a Polson Police Department press release said.

“Lehrke is also involved with other criminal activities including check washing, identity theft and burglary,” the release said.

“In recent weeks a Flathead Tribal Officer recognized Lehrke driving in Polson and attempted to detain him on a warrant, but Lehrke abandoned his vehicle, leading the officer in a foot pursuit to Polson’s west side, where Lehrke managed to duck into an apartment located somewhere in the complex.”

Police obtained a search warrant and seized Lehrke’s vehicle and “learned Lehrke was also hauling a freshly stolen ATV in the back.”

“Several stolen checkbooks, social security cards, photo I.D. cards were located inside the vehicle, along with many pieces of jewelry including Native American beading jewelry, burglary tools, drugs and drug paraphernalia.”

Lehrke is a white male, with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. He is six-feet-tall and weighs 200 pounds.

Police said Lehrke has names tattooed on both sides of his neck and a large tattoo on his left forearm.

The press release said Lerhke ties to Washington state, Sanders Flathead, Missoula and Lake counties.

Law enforcement officials warn citizens not to approach Lerhke if seen, but to contact law enforcement immediately.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and a Crime Stoppers reward can be made available if the tip leads to the Lerhke’s future conviction.