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A female individual formerly staying at a female recovery facility in California reportedly 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.

Auto Theft Discovered from Sober Living Home

As stated in a police announcement, a second woman, Nicolle Walters, 45, reported that her gray minivan from 2004 was missing, along with her vehicle key. Walters, who manages two women’s sober living homes, identified the suspect as Alyssa Wilson at a recovery facility in Thousand Oaks, located approximately 60 minutes north-west of Los Angeles.

“My keys were taken out of my house manager’s purse. I arrived right when it was happening,” Walters stated, adding that the vehicle is designated for the facility’s daily operations.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Several Regions

Officials tracked the stolen vehicle about 12 miles to the north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Wilson refused to stop and sped away. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the State Route 118 until the pursuit continued into Los Angeles county. At that juncture, local sheriff’s deputies transferred the pursuit to the CHP once the driver merged onto the Interstate 405 traveling southbound.

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

The suspect reportedly dodged all the tire-deflation devices deployed on the road by police, as documented in aerial videos.

International Getaway and Aftermath

The pursuit eventually reached the US-Mexico border by 1.30pm, leading to the highway patrol to terminate the chase due to legal limitations.

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

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the car,” Walters said. “I’m relieved aware she was not injured. The minivan is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

Walters, who has run Diana’s House Sober Living since October 2024, recognizes that the path to recovery from substance abuse and emotional distress is not always linear.

“This is a psychological and substance abuse emergency,” she said. “There is a need for additional assistance. It is essential to provide more resources for those that are struggling.”

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