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A female individual formerly staying at a women’s sobriety home in the state of California allegedly took a stolen van and led a prolonged police chase culminating with her crossing the border into Mexico on Monday.

Vehicle Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

As stated in a law enforcement announcement, a second woman, Nicolle Walters, 45, notified authorities that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, along with her car key. Walters, who operates two female recovery residences, identified the suspect as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately 60 minutes north-west of Los Angeles.

“My keys were taken out of my house manager’s purse. I happened to pull up just as it was happening,” Walters stated, adding that the vehicle is designated for the sobriety home’s tasks.

High-Speed Pursuit Develops Across Multiple Counties

Authorities located the stolen vehicle about 19 kilometers to the north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to pull the vehicle over, but Wilson did not comply and sped away. She attained speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the pursuit proceeded into Los Angeles county. At that juncture, local sheriff’s deputies transferred the operation to the California highway patrol once the driver merged onto the 405 freeway traveling southbound.

“This one is very unique in the context of the road situation allowing individuals to continue to remain on the freeway and extend this pursuit,” commented a public information officer from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

The suspect allegedly dodged all the tire-deflation devices tossed on the roadway by police, as documented 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 legal limitations.

The vehicle owner stated on Tuesday that the minivan was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was coordinating with the authorities to recover the vehicle.

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the vehicle,” she remarked. “I’m more at ease knowing she wasn’t hurt. The minivan is easily substituted.”

Insight from the Facility Operator

Walters, who has run the recovery residence since October 2024, recognizes that the path to recovery from addiction and emotional distress is not always linear.

“This is a psychological and substance abuse emergency,” Walters emphasized. “We need more support. We need more resources for those that are struggling.”

“Recovery can be messy,” Walters concluded.