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Dramatic Oregon Coast Police Chase Includes Flaming Wheel Through Lincoln City - Video

Published 12/11/25 at 9:35 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – Motorists on Highway 101 on the central Oregon coast got an eyeful midday Thursday as a high-speed chase interrupted traffic between Newport and Lincoln City, and involved the fiery, dramatic sight of a truck speeding down the road with one wheel missing. Spikes were deployed at some point between the two towns, causing alerts to go out on social media to be cautious of those. (Photos and video Ian and Jenny Nelson)

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Newport Police say the incident began just before noon as they received a report of a vehicle suspected to be involved in a burglary in the Waldport area.

As they searched the area, one Newport officer spotted a truck in the Newport Fred Meyer parking lot that matched the description.

“While the Officer waited for assistance from other officers, he exited his car to contact the vehicle driver, giving him orders to remain in the vehicle,” police said in a release.

The driver refused to do so and began to drive away, running over a curb and fleeing the parking lot, then heading north on Highway 101. He began to zoom away at a high rate of speed.

Video by Ian and Jenny Nelson - with slow motion at the end.

The suspect was later identified as 32-year-old Tyler Mullen.

The officer returned to his vehicle and pursued, witnessing as Mullen clipped a vehicle in the turn lane. There was minor damage but no one was injured. Mullen did not stop, which ended up one of his charges.

“Officers continued to pursue Mullen on the highway and were able to contact partnering agencies ahead of the pursuit to setup tire spike strips,” police said. “Mullen drove over the spike strips causing damage to multiple tires.”

Some initial reports say he managed to drive four miles in this manner.


It was at this point in southern Lincoln City where Jenny and Ian Nelson caught the video. Jenny Nelson told Oregon Coast Beach Connection they definitely felt in danger.

“He was going about 70 mph and zipped past our truck with only three tires,” Nelson said. “My husband thought he was going to kill him.”

In the video, you can see the flaming wheel and multiple police vehicles whiz past in pursuit.

“The vehicle eventually suffered loss of traction near SE 51 Street in Lincoln City, OR and would not travel any further,” police said. “Mullen exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, where he was ultimately restrained by construction workers at the scene. Mullen was placed under arrest and refused to identify himself.”

Newport police transported him to the Lincoln County Jail where he was fingerprinted, which then led to authorities being able to identify him by a a photograph currently on file. He was already being sought by law enforcement.

“This revealed he had active warrants for his arrest for a probation violation out of the Oregon State Parole Board,” police said.

Mullen was charged with:

• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer (Felony)
• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer (Misdemeanor)
• Failure to Carry or Present a License
• Reckless Driving
• Reckless Endangering (x2)
• Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver (Misdemeanor x2)

“The Newport Police Department would like to thank the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln City Police Department and the Oregon State Police for their assistance during this incident,” Newport police said. “The incident remains under investigation.”

Newport authorities said if you have any information regarding this case, please contact Officer Mangum of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

Nelson also caught video after the crash, which happened near The Pines in southern Lincoln City.

Nelson noted the couple's dog was howling at the sirens, which has lent an amusing side to the video.

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