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A female individual previously residing at a women’s sobriety home in the state of California allegedly took a stolen van and led a hours-long police chase culminating with her traveling across the international boundary into the nation of Mexico on the start of the week.

Auto Theft Reported from Recovery Residence

As stated in a law enforcement statement, a another female, Nicolle Walters, forty-five years old, notified authorities that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her vehicle key. Walters, who operates two female recovery residences, identified the alleged thief as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately 60 minutes north-west of LA.

“The keys were taken out of my manager’s handbag. I arrived just as it was happening,” Walters stated, adding that the vehicle is designated for the sobriety home’s tasks.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Multiple Counties

Authorities tracked the van about 12 miles north in a nearby city, where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect did not comply and sped away. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the pursuit continued into LA County. At that point, Ventura county authorities handed over the operation to the California highway patrol once the driver entered the 405 freeway heading south.

“This incident is very unique in the sense of the road situation enabling individuals to continue to remain on the highway and prolong this pursuit,” said a spokesperson from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

Wilson allegedly avoided all the spike strips deployed on the roadway by police, as seen in aerial videos.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath

The pursuit finally arrived at the international border by early afternoon, leading to the highway patrol to terminate the chase due to legal limitations.

Walters stated on Tuesday that the vehicle was situated in the Mexican city of Tijuana and that she was coordinating with the CHP to recover the vehicle.

“At the end of the day, I’m not concerned with the car,” she remarked. “I’m more at ease knowing she was not injured. The car is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

Walters, who has operated Diana’s House Sober Living since October 2024, recognizes that the journey toward sobriety from substance abuse and emotional distress is often non-linear.

“This is a psychological and addiction crisis,” she said. “There is a need for more support. We need more resources for those that are facing challenges.”

“The recovery process can be messy,” she added.