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A female individual formerly staying at a female recovery facility in the state of California reportedly stole a minivan and engaged in a hours-long police chase culminating with her traveling across the international boundary into Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Discovered from Sober Living Home

As stated in a police announcement, a second woman, Nicolle Walters, forty-five years old, notified authorities that her gray minivan from 2004 was stolen, along with her vehicle key. Walters, who operates two female recovery residences, named the alleged thief as Alyssa Wilson at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately an hour’s drive of LA.

“The keys were taken out of my manager’s handbag. I happened to pull up just as it was occurring,” Walters stated, adding that the vehicle is designated for the sobriety home’s tasks.

High-Speed Pursuit Develops Across Multiple Counties

Officials tracked the van about 19 kilometers north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect 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, Ventura county authorities transferred the operation to the CHP once Wilson entered the 405 freeway traveling southbound.

“This one is very unique in the context of the road situation allowing individuals to persist on the freeway and prolong this chase,” said a public information officer from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

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

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath

The chase finally arrived at the international border by early afternoon, prompting the highway patrol to terminate the chase due to jurisdictional constraints.

Walters stated on Tuesday that the vehicle was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was working with the CHP to recover the vehicle.

“At the end of the day, I’m not worried about the vehicle,” Walters remarked. “I’m more at ease aware she wasn’t hurt. The minivan is replaceable.”

Insight from the Facility Operator

The sober living home owner, who has operated Diana’s House Sober Living since October 2024, acknowledges that the path to recovery from substance abuse and emotional distress is not always linear.

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

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