Low-Speed Chase Through Wall After Police Notice Car Had Only 3 Wheels

Wall Police followed a vehicle slowly driving on three wheels and a rim throughout the town yesterday afternoon, with a low-speed chase, police sirens flashing, as the car continued down major highways.

Police said the driver was charged with driving while intoxicated and the car impounded under state law after he led police from Route 18 to elsewhere in town — Route 138, the Allenwood Circle, and Route 34 — refusing to pull over shortly before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Route 34 was briefly closed during the pursuit, police said. The vehicle had one occupant and no injuries or property damage was reported during the incident.

Here is the complete statement from Wall Police, prepared by Wall Sgt. Wolter:

On July 9, 2013, at approx. 4:26 PM, the Wall Twp. Police were called and advised that a small, blue, four door vehicle was traveling south on Rt. 18 towards Rt. 138. The vehicle reportedly was driving on its rims. The vehicle continued onto Rt. 138 West where Wall Twp. Police Units observed the suspect vehicle still driving West on Rt. 138. The vehicle was missing the left front wheel and was in fact driving on the metal rim. The vehicle failed to pull over for police units with their sirens and overhead emergency lights activated.

The vehicle continued West on Rt. 138 and was traveling at a speed well below the posted speed limit. The vehicle then got off of Rt. 138 and got onto Rt. 34 South. The vehicle continued on Rt. 34 South, past the Allenwood Rd intersection, continued around the Allenwood Traffic Circle, and then through the Paynter’s Rd intersection. The vehicle eventually came to a stop near the Lakewood Road intersection. The driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was identified as Michael. N. Shevelev, 52 years old, Pt. Pleasant, NJ. Mr. Shevelev was placed under arrest and charged with Drunk Driving.

Mr. Shevelev’s vehicle, a 2007 Dodge Caliber, was impounded and towed from the scene. Mr. Shevelev was transported to Wall Twp. Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged accordingly. After processing, Mr. Shevelev was released from police custody in accordance with John’s Law procedures. Ptl. Jack Gramlich was the arresting officer. During the incident, Rt. 34 southbound was closed for a short period of time to ensure the safety of the motoring public while the arrest was being affected.