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A female individual formerly staying at a female recovery facility in California reportedly stole a minivan and engaged in a prolonged law enforcement pursuit ending with her traveling across the international boundary into Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Reported from Recovery Residence

According to a police announcement, a another female, Nicolle Walters, 45, notified authorities that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her vehicle key. Walters, who manages two female recovery residences, identified the alleged thief as Alyssa Wilson at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately 60 minutes north-west of LA.

“The keys were stolen out of my manager’s handbag. I happened to pull up just as it was occurring,” she said, adding that the minivan is used for the sobriety home’s tasks.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Several Regions

Authorities located the van about 12 miles to the north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to pull the vehicle over, but Wilson did not comply and sped away. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the chase continued into Los Angeles county. At that point, Ventura county authorities transferred the pursuit to the CHP once the driver merged onto the 405 freeway heading south.

“This one is very unique in the sense of the road situation enabling drivers to continue to remain on the freeway and prolong this chase,” commented a spokesperson from the local law enforcement agency.

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

International Getaway and Aftermath

The pursuit finally arrived at the international border by early afternoon, prompting the CHP to end its pursuit due to jurisdictional constraints.

The vehicle owner indicated on the following day that the minivan was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was working with the authorities to retrieve it.

“At the end of the day, I’m not concerned with the vehicle,” Walters remarked. “I’m more at ease aware she wasn’t hurt. The minivan is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

Walters, who has run Diana’s House Sober Living since October 2024, recognizes that the path to recovery from substance abuse and trauma is not always linear.

“This represents a mental health and addiction crisis,” she said. “There is a need for additional assistance. We need greater resources for those that are struggling.”

“The recovery process isn’t always pretty,” Walters concluded.