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A woman previously residing at a female recovery facility in California reportedly stole a minivan and engaged in a prolonged police chase ending with her traveling across the international boundary into Mexico on the start of the week.

Auto Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

As stated in a police announcement, a another female, Nicolle Walters, 45, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her vehicle key. Walters, who manages two female recovery residences, identified the suspect as Alyssa Wilson at Diana’s House Sober Living, situated approximately 60 minutes north-west of Los Angeles.

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

Dramatic Chase Unfolds Across Multiple Counties

Authorities tracked the van about 19 kilometers north in a nearby city, where they attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the suspect refused to stop and accelerated rapidly. She attained speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the pursuit proceeded into Los Angeles county. At that juncture, Ventura county authorities transferred the pursuit to the California highway patrol once the driver entered the 405 freeway traveling southbound.

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

The suspect reportedly dodged all the tire-deflation devices tossed on the roadway by police, as documented in footage from above.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath

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

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

“At the end of the day, I’m not concerned with the vehicle,” Walters said. “I’m relieved knowing she was not injured. The minivan is easily substituted.”

Insight from the Facility Operator

The sober living home owner, who has operated Diana’s House Sober Living since October 2024, recognizes that the path to recovery from substance abuse and trauma is often non-linear.

“This is a mental health and substance abuse emergency,” Walters emphasized. “There is a need for more support. It is essential to provide greater resources for those that are struggling.”

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