Langley cop’s ‘arch nemesis’ accused of pooch trafficking

A 23-year-old homeless man who recently led South Whidbey cops on a foot chase through Langley may end up behind bars in a state prison for trying to sell a poodle that belonged to someone else, court documents allege.

By Jessie Stensland • July 30, 2014 6:00 am

A 23-year-old homeless man who recently led South Whidbey cops on a foot chase through Langley may end up behind bars in a state prison for trying to sell a poodle that belonged to someone else, court documents allege.

Travis Loetterle’s alleged plans were foiled when the sister of the dog’s owner recognized the Maltese poodle he was allegedly trying to hock in front of the Goose market in Bayview on May 31.

Prosecutors charged Loetterle in Island County Superior Court on July 18 with trafficking in stolen property in the first degree. The dog was worth $500, but he was trying to sell it for $20 to $40, the police report states.

If convicted, Loetterle faces up to one year and eight months in prison under the standard sentencing range.

Lotterle’s criminal history increases his potential sentence. He is so well known to police on South Whidbey that Langley Police Chief Dave Marks jokingly refers to him as his “arch-nemesis,” the South Whidbey Record reported.

Last month, two deputies with the Island County Sheriff’s Office and a Langley police officer apprehended Loetterle, who was on the lam for failing to appear in court on several charges, after a lengthy chase.

Loetterle climbed to the roof of the Hanson’s Building Supply building and refused to come down for more than 30 minutes, according to a police report.

In 2012, Loetterle was accused of burglarizing the home of his adoptive father and stealing a truck, tires, a meat slicer, ladders and a DVD player, court records state.

In the recent case, a woman going to the Goose store noticed that Loetterle was trying to sell a dog he had on a leash made from a phone charger cord. She recognized the dog and its collar as belonging to her sister, according to the deputy’s report.

The dog also apparently recognized her. He wagged his tail when he saw her, let her pick him up and licked her face.

Loetterle told her he got the dog from a friend who passed away, but he let her take it, the report states.

Loetterle’s mother told a deputy that he found the dog wandering around.