Last Updated on September 28, 2026 2:57 pm
WARRENSVILLE, N.C. – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of 27-year-old Lance James Mahala of Creston after a motorcycle pursuit in Warrensville. During the pursuit, Mahala was observed throwing items from his pockets, which were later identified as Methamphetamine.
On September 17th, 2026, Deputy Shepherd was patrolling the Warrensville area and observed a motorcycle displaying no tags. Shepherd attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver began throwing items from his pockets onto the roadway as he accelerated to a high rate of speed. After a brief chase, the driver eventually pulled over. The subject on the motorcycle was identified as Lance Mahala. Deputy Williams arrived on scene and placed Mahala under arrest while K9 Alpha was taken to the area where the item had been thrown from the motorcycle. K9 Alpha conducted a search and located the discarded object, 7.9 grams of Methamphetamine.
Mahala was transported to the Ashe County Detention Center, placed under a $10,000 bond, and later released. All drugs will be sent to the NCSBI Crime Lab for further analysis.
Lance James Mahala, of Creston, was arrested and later released. His charges include:
- Felony Flee/Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle
- Felony Possess Methamphetamine
- Fail to Heed Light or Siren
- Possess Drug Paraphernalia
- Obstructing Justice
