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A woman previously residing at a female recovery facility in California allegedly stole a minivan and engaged in a prolonged law enforcement pursuit culminating with her traveling across the border into Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Discovered from Sober Living Home

As stated in a police statement, a another female, the owner of the vehicle, forty-five years old, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, 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 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.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Several Regions

Officials located the van about 12 miles to the north in a nearby city, where they attempted to pull the vehicle over, but Wilson did not comply and accelerated rapidly. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the State Route 118 until the pursuit proceeded into LA County. At that juncture, Ventura county authorities transferred the pursuit to the CHP once Wilson merged onto the Interstate 405 traveling southbound.

“This incident is very unique in the context of the traffic conditions allowing drivers to continue to remain on the highway and extend this pursuit,” said a public information officer from the local law enforcement agency.

Wilson allegedly dodged all the tire-deflation devices tossed on the road by police, as documented in aerial videos.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath

The chase eventually reached the US-Mexico border by early afternoon, leading to the CHP to terminate the chase due to legal limitations.

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

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the car,” 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, acknowledges that the journey toward sobriety from substance abuse and emotional distress is often non-linear.

“This is a mental health and addiction crisis,” Walters emphasized. “We need additional assistance. It is essential to provide greater resources for those that are struggling.”

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