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A woman 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 Mexico on Monday.

Vehicle Theft Discovered from Recovery Residence

According to a law enforcement announcement, a another female, the owner of the vehicle, 45, reported that her gray minivan from 2004 was missing, along with her car key. Walters, who manages two female recovery residences, named the suspect as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately 60 minutes north-west of Los Angeles.

“My keys were taken from my house manager’s purse. I arrived right when it was happening,” she said, adding that the vehicle is designated for the sobriety home’s tasks.

Dramatic Chase Unfolds Across Multiple Counties

Officials located the van about 19 kilometers north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to pull the vehicle over, but Wilson refused to stop and sped away. She attained speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the pursuit proceeded into Los Angeles county. At that point, Ventura county authorities handed over the operation to the CHP once Wilson entered the 405 freeway traveling southbound.

“This one is particularly unusual in the context of the traffic conditions enabling drivers to persist on the freeway and prolong this pursuit,” said a public information officer from the local law enforcement agency.

Wilson reportedly avoided all the tire-deflation devices tossed on the roadway by authorities, as seen in aerial videos.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath

The pursuit eventually reached the international border by early afternoon, leading to the CHP to end its pursuit due to legal limitations.

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

“At the end of the day, I’m not concerned with the car,” she remarked. “I’m relieved aware she was not injured. The car is replaceable.”

Owner’s Perspective

Walters, 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 represents a mental health and substance abuse emergency,” she said. “We need additional assistance. We need more resources for those that are struggling.”

“The recovery process isn’t always pretty,” she added.