Wanted man: Lerhrke arrested in Washington

POLSON – Thanks to publicity and attentive citizens, suspected check thief Asa Alan Lerhrke sits in prison.

Lerhke, who is held in Washington’s Spokane Detention Center, was arrested over the weekend, according to Polson Police Detective Michelle Scott. No details about the arrest were released, nor was an extradition date set at presstime.

Polson police asked the public for help Oct. 6 when they circulated a press release and series of photos that described Lehrke’s alleged activities.

Police, who believe Lehrke is in possession of several stolen check books, have 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, according to the press release.

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 has ties to Washington state, Sanders, Flathead, Missoula and Lake counties.