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A woman previously residing at a women’s sobriety home in the state of California allegedly took a stolen van and led a prolonged police chase ending with her crossing the border into Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

According to a law enforcement statement, a another female, Nicolle Walters, 45, notified authorities that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, along with her car key. Walters, who manages two women’s sober living homes, identified the suspect as Alyssa Wilson at Diana’s House Sober Living, situated approximately 60 minutes north-west of LA.

“My keys were taken from my house manager’s purse. I happened to pull up right when it was occurring,” Walters stated, adding that the vehicle is used for the sobriety home’s tasks.

High-Speed Pursuit Develops Across Multiple Counties

Officials tracked the van about 19 kilometers north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the suspect refused to stop and accelerated rapidly. She reached speeds of about 145km/h on the 118 freeway until the pursuit proceeded into LA County. At that juncture, local sheriff’s deputies transferred the pursuit to the California highway patrol once Wilson entered the Interstate 405 traveling southbound.

“This one is very unique in the context of the traffic conditions enabling individuals to continue to remain on the freeway and prolong this chase,” said a public information officer from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

Wilson reportedly dodged all the spike strips tossed on the road by authorities, as seen in footage from above.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath

The chase finally arrived at the international border by 1.30pm, leading to the CHP to terminate the chase due to legal limitations.

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

“Ultimately, I’m not worried about the vehicle,” she remarked. “I’m more at ease aware she was not injured. The car is replaceable.”

Insight from the Facility Operator

Walters, who has run 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,” Walters emphasized. “We need more support. It is essential to provide more resources for those that are struggling.”

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