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On February 18, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Deputy Lindsey Needler #34-101 of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the area of Lincoln Road and Goyer Road after observing a white Dodge Ram cross the center line twice while traveling northbound. The vehicle was also displaying an expired Indiana license plate.

The vehicle pulled into the Village Pantry located at 2021 S. Goyer Road. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Noah Persing, age 28, the deputy observed indicators of criminal activity, including nervous and erratic behavior and the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Additional deputies responded to assist.

During the stop, Persing was detained, and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search, deputies located:

• 365.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine (approximately 0.81 pounds)
• 3 grams of suspected cocaine
• One C9 9mm Luger pistol with ammunition
• One digital scale
• Multiple small plastic baggies commonly used for narcotics distribution
• Miscellaneous drug paraphernalia
• Two cellular phones

All suspected narcotics field-tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine. Due to the significant quantity of narcotics and the presence of a firearm, detectives from the Sheriff’s Task Force Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. A DNA swab was later conducted on the firearm.

During the vehicle search, Amalea Irvin, age 29, arrived on scene and began questioning deputies about what was occurring. As officers continued collecting and securing evidence from the vehicle, Irvin made contact with law enforcement and inquired about the investigation.

She admitted to possessing marijuana in her vehicle and provided consent for officers to search it. A small baggie of plant-like substance was located and later field-tested positive for THC. She was taken into custody.

Both individuals were transported to the Howard County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation and interviews. During the booking process at the Howard County Jail, correctional staff discovered a concealed baggie on Irvin containing two separate packages of suspected narcotics. One package field-tested positive for fentanyl and the other tested positive for methamphetamine. All evidence was photographed, logged, and secured in the Sheriff’s Office evidence system. The narcotics will be submitted to the Indiana State Police Laboratory for confirmatory testing and official weight determination.

Noah Persing was charged with:

• Dealing Methamphetamine (IC 35-48-4-1.1) – Level 2 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine (IC 35-48-4-6.1) – Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Cocaine (IC 35-48-4-6) – Level 5 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia (IC 35-48-4-8.3) – Class C Misdemeanor

Amalea Irvin was charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine (IC 35-48-4-6.1) – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of a Narcotic Drug (IC 35-48-4-6) – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Marijuana (IC 35-48-4-11) – Class B Misdemeanor

The case remains active and under investigation by Deputy Lindsey Needler (#34-101). Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact her directly at 765-614-3401, or by submitting a tip through the Sheriff’s Office mobile app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding illegal narcotics activity to report it. Tips may be submitted anonymously through the Sheriff’s Office mobile app or website. The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.