Lincoln City, Oregon — A wanted man, Tyler Mullen, 32, was arrested Thursday afternoon following a high-speed chase along Highway 101 on the Oregon coast. Authorities say Mullen was driving a pickup truck missing a wheel and attempted to evade law enforcement before being restrained by construction workers in Lincoln City.
Mullen now faces multiple charges, including:
- Felony attempting to elude a police officer
- Reckless driving
- Hit-and-run
He also had open warrants for a probation violation.
Chase Begins after Vehicle Linked to Burglary
The incident started when Newport Police located a pickup truck in the Fred Meyer parking lot linked to a burglary in Waldport earlier that day. An officer instructed Mullen to remain in place, but he drove over a curb and sped north on Highway 101, initiating the chase.
During the pursuit, Mullen clipped another vehicle at the NW 25th Street intersection, though no injuries were reported. Law enforcement agencies set up tire spike strips, causing several of the pickup’s tires to flatten.
Chase Ends with Assistance from Construction Workers
Mullen eventually lost traction near the Southeast 51st Street intersection, exited the vehicle, and attempted to flee on foot. Construction workers at the scene intervened and restrained him until police arrived.
Officers took Mullen into custody, but he initially refused to identify himself. Authorities later confirmed his identity through fingerprints and photographs, revealing existing warrants against him.
Additional Charges Filed
In addition to felony and misdemeanor fleeing charges, Mullen faces several traffic-related counts, including:
- Failure to carry or present a license
- Reckless endangering (x2)
- Failure to perform duties of a driver (x2)
No injuries were reported during the pursuit, and law enforcement praised the coordination among multiple agencies, including:
- Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
- Lincoln City Police Department
- Oregon State Police
Key Details at a Glance
- Suspect: Tyler Mullen, 32
- Location: Lincoln City, Oregon
- Vehicle: Pickup truck missing a wheel
- Pursuit: Highway 101, ended near Southeast 51st Street
- Assistance: Construction workers helped restrain the suspect
- Charges: Felony and misdemeanor fleeing, reckless driving, hit-and-run, multiple traffic violations
Authorities emphasize that evading law enforcement is extremely dangerous, and the public is urged to report any suspicious driving to help prevent accidents or injuries.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on the role of bystanders and construction workers in helping law enforcement during dangerous pursuits? Do you think current penalties for fleeing police are sufficient to deter high-speed chases?
Share your thoughts in the comments — your perspective helps promote public safety awareness.
