'Excessively Slow' Speed Chase Leads To Somerset County Driver's Arrest

Ever wondered if you could drive too slowly? The answer is yes.

A car traveling at “excessively slow” speed on Route 37 late Sunday evening drew the attention of police and resulted in the arrest of three men, including two from Somerville, Toms River police said.

Toms River Officer Frank Moschella was on traffic patrol when he saw the 2007 Hyundai Sonata westbound about 10:20 p.m. on Route 37 moving extremely slowly, said Ralph Stocco, spokesman for the Toms River Police Department. The car then stopped in the left lane near Garfield Avenue, and a computer check of state Motor Vehicle records revealed the car had been reported stolen from Bridgewater, he said.

After more officers arrived, the driver, Nicolas Soto, 22, of West Cliff Street in Somerville, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of the stolen car and driving while on the revoked list. Soto additionally had outstanding warrants out for his arrest in Somerville and Bridgewater totalling $628, Stocco said.

Soto’s bail was set at $25,000, Stocco said.

Also arrested were Tyshawn Meyer, 18, of Hurley Pond Road, Wall, and Markez Barnes, 20, of Veterans Memorial Drive in Somerville. They were charged with offenses relating to being in the stolen motor vehicle and were released on summonses, Stocco said.