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A female individual previously residing at a women’s sobriety home in California allegedly took a stolen van and engaged in a prolonged police chase culminating with her traveling across the international boundary into the nation of Mexico on Monday.

Auto Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

As stated in a police announcement, a another female, the owner of the vehicle, 45, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her vehicle key. The owner, who operates two female recovery residences, named the suspect as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately an hour’s drive of LA.

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

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Several Regions

Authorities tracked the van about 19 kilometers to the north in a nearby city, where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect refused to stop and accelerated rapidly. She attained speeds of about 145km/h on the State Route 118 until the pursuit continued into Los Angeles county. At that point, Ventura county authorities transferred the operation to the CHP once Wilson entered the Interstate 405 heading south.

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

The suspect allegedly avoided all the tire-deflation devices tossed on the roadway by police, as documented in aerial videos.

International Getaway and Aftermath

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

Walters stated on Tuesday that the vehicle was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was coordinating with the authorities to retrieve it.

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the car,” Walters remarked. “I’m more at ease aware she was not injured. The car is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

Walters, who has run the recovery residence since October 2024, acknowledges that the journey toward sobriety from substance abuse and trauma is not always linear.

“This is a psychological and addiction emergency,” Walters emphasized. “There is a need for additional assistance. It is essential to provide more resources for those that are facing challenges.”

“Recovery can be messy,” Walters concluded.