A Traffic Stop That Turned Into a Chase
A routine traffic stop along Oregon’s Highway 101 turned into an extended pursuit Thursday after 32-year-old Tyler Mullen fled from Newport officers who had approached his truck at a Fred Meyer parking lot, suspecting a possible connection to a burglary in Waldport. Rather than staying put, Mullen took off, jumping a curb and heading north with officers in pursuit.
Fleeing on Three Wheels
The chase took an unusual turn when it became clear Mullen’s truck was already missing a tire, yet he continued attempting to outrun police. Near Northwest 25th, he sideswiped another vehicle during the pursuit; remarkably, no one was injured in that collision. Officers deployed spike strips shortly after, further damaging the truck’s remaining tires.
Construction Workers Step In
The truck eventually fishtailed to a stop near Southeast 51st, and Mullen abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot. A group of nearby construction workers who witnessed the chase intervened, detaining Mullen until officers arrived to make the arrest.
A Lengthy List of Charges
Mullen was found to have outstanding warrants for probation violations, in addition to new charges including felony evasion, reckless driving, and two counts of fleeing the scene of a crash. Police also noted he was driving without a valid license at the time of the pursuit.
Multi-Agency Response
Newport Police credited the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police for their assistance during the pursuit. The investigation remains open, and Newport PD is asking anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. As with any pending case, Mullen is presumed innocent on the newly filed charges unless and until proven guilty in court.