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A woman formerly staying at a women’s sobriety home in California allegedly stole a minivan and engaged in a prolonged law enforcement pursuit culminating with her crossing the international boundary into the nation of Mexico on Monday.

Auto Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

According to a police announcement, a second woman, Nicolle Walters, 45, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, along with her car key. Walters, who operates two female recovery residences, identified the alleged thief as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, situated approximately 60 minutes north-west of LA.

“My keys were stolen from my house manager’s purse. I arrived just as it was occurring,” she said, adding that the minivan is used for the facility’s daily operations.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Several Regions

Authorities located the van about 19 kilometers north in Simi Valley, where they tried to pull the vehicle over, but Wilson refused to stop and sped away. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the State Route 118 until the chase continued into Los Angeles county. At that point, local sheriff’s deputies transferred the operation to the CHP once Wilson merged onto the 405 freeway heading south.

“This incident is particularly unusual in the context of the road situation enabling individuals to persist on the freeway and prolong this pursuit,” commented a spokesperson from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

Wilson allegedly dodged all the spike strips tossed on the roadway by authorities, as documented in footage from above.

International Getaway and Aftermath Developments

The pursuit eventually reached the international border by early afternoon, leading to the CHP to terminate the chase due to jurisdictional constraints.

Walters indicated on the following day that the minivan was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was working with the authorities to retrieve it.

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the vehicle,” Walters remarked. “I’m more at ease aware she wasn’t hurt. 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, 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 more resources for those that are facing challenges.”

“The recovery process can be messy,” Walters concluded.