La Porte Man Charged With Criminal Trespass, Animal Neglect, and Resisting Law Enforcement
A La Porte man, 29-year-old Dylan Michael Popelas, is facing multiple misdemeanor charges after deputies responded to a late-night disturbance involving reports of dogs fighting and yelling outside a home in the area of West 300 North in La Porte.
According to court documents , deputies were dispatched around 11:30 p.m. on November 19, 2025, after a caller reported hearing “dogs fighting” and people yelling outside. When deputies arrived, they observed multiple kennels outside the residence and later made contact with Popelas, who exited the home displaying erratic behavior, pinpoint pupils, and difficulty speaking coherently.
Deputies asked Popelas about the dogs’ condition. He pointed to several areas around the yard, stating there were seven dogs on the property. Deputies used flashlights to examine two pitbulls on a porch—one with blood around its mouth and another with scratches and blood on its body. According to the narrative, Popelas became confrontational and stated that the dogs “hated” deputies and that he would release them. He was given direct orders to step away from a gate latch, but he did not comply and opened it. The dogs did not act aggressively.
The report states Popelas later attempted to retrieve another pitbull from a boat parked on the property. Deputies began leaving to de-escalate when Popelas walked across the property line toward a neighboring residence despite a clearly posted no-trespassing sign. Deputies ordered him to stop and return to his property, but he refused, telling them to just arrest him.
When deputies informed him he was being placed under arrest, Popelas leaned against a boat and attempted to use a pitbull to deter them from approaching. He refused multiple direct orders to place his hands behind his back. Deputies reported that he tensed his arms, pulled away, and attempted to turn and flee during escort. He was eventually taken to the ground, restrained, and transported to the La Porte County Jail. A urinalysis screening conducted at the jail reportedly showed he tested positive for methamphetamine.
The report indicates the case will also be forwarded to animal control for follow-up on the condition of the dogs.
Charges filed November 2025:
• Criminal Trespass — Class A Misdemeanor
• Cruelty to an Animal (Recklessly/Knowingly Neglects/Abandons Animal) — Class A Misdemeanor
• Resisting Law Enforcement (Forcibly Resists/Obstructs) — Class A Misdemeanor
Lodged in the Laporte County Jail.
