On Monday, November 3, 2025 at approximately 10:28 PM, a Starke County Deputy was on routine patrol in the Grovertown area. The deputy received an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) alert through FLOCK. A gray colored 2004 Harley-Davidson was westbound on US 30. The registered owner’s driving status was suspended.
The deputy soon observed the vehicle traveling westbound and confirmed the registered owner was suspended, a white male, identified as Nicholas Hagen (38), of Knox. The deputy observed a male occupant operating the motorcycle as it turned into the Grovertown Plaza. The deputy initiated a traffic stop.
The deputy spoke with the occupant that confirmed he was Mr. Hagen. The deputy observed Mr. Hagen’s pupils appeared to be constricted. Mr. Hagen gave vague responses to general itinerary questions.
Mr. Hagen consented to a search of his backpack. The deputy located five (5) glass smoking devices. Due to the type of smoking devices the deputy suspected Mr. Hagen to use methamphetamine.
Mr. Hagen confirmed he smoked methamphetamine earlier in the morning. Mr. Hagen admitted to having contraband on his person and instructed the deputy to retrieve it from his pants pocket.
The deputy discovered a clear plastic bag with approximately 51.93 grams of suspected methamphetamine. There was also a blue colored grinder. Inside the grinder was the following: approximately 5.85 grams of suspected methamphetamine, two bags containing approximately 4.05 grams of suspected fentanyl, paraphernalia, and another controlled substance.
The deputy also located suspected THC gummies and approximately 2.34 grams of suspected marijuana.
Follow up investigation conducted by the Starke County Detective Bureau
Mr. Hagen was taken into custody and preliminarily charged with the following:
- Dealing in Methamphetamine a Level 2 Felony
- Possession of Methamphetamine a Level 3 Felony
- Dealing in a Narcotic Drug a Level 5 Felony
- Possession of a Narcotic Drug a Level 6 Felony
- Possession of a Schedule II, III, IV Controlled Substance A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana a B Misdemeanor
- Possession of Paraphernalia a C Misdemeanor
As a reminder, all suspects are presumed innocent until prove guilty. Formal charging to be determined by the Starke County Prosecutor.
Sheriff Jack Rosa