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A woman formerly staying at a women’s sobriety home in the state of California reportedly took a stolen van and led a hours-long law enforcement pursuit culminating with her crossing the international boundary into the nation of Mexico on Monday.

Auto Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

According to a law enforcement statement, a second woman, Nicolle Walters, forty-five years old, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, along with her vehicle key. Walters, who operates two women’s sober living homes, named the alleged thief as Alyssa Wilson at a recovery facility in Thousand Oaks, located approximately 60 minutes north-west of Los Angeles.

“My keys were taken from my house manager’s purse. I happened to pull up just as it was occurring,” Walters stated, noting that the minivan is designated for the facility’s daily operations.

Dramatic Chase Unfolds Across Several Regions

Officials located the van about 19 kilometers north in a nearby city, where they attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the suspect did not comply and sped away. She reached speeds of about 145km/h on the State Route 118 until the chase continued into Los Angeles county. At that juncture, Ventura county authorities handed over the pursuit to the CHP once the driver entered the 405 freeway heading south.

“This incident is very unique in the sense of the traffic conditions enabling individuals to persist on the freeway and extend this chase,” said a spokesperson from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

The suspect reportedly avoided all the spike strips deployed on the roadway by police, as seen in aerial videos.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath Developments

The chase eventually reached the international border by 1.30pm, prompting the CHP to end its pursuit due to legal limitations.

The vehicle owner indicated on the following day that the minivan was situated in the Mexican city of Tijuana and that she was working with the CHP to recover the vehicle.

“At the end of the day, I’m not concerned with the car,” Walters remarked. “I’m relieved aware she wasn’t hurt. The car is replaceable.”

Insight from the Facility Operator

The sober living home owner, who has operated the recovery residence since October 2024, acknowledges that the journey toward sobriety from substance abuse and trauma is often non-linear.

“This is a mental health and substance abuse crisis,” she said. “We need more support. It is essential to provide more resources for those that are struggling.”

“Recovery isn’t always pretty,” she added.