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A woman formerly staying at a female recovery facility in the state of California reportedly stole a minivan and engaged in a prolonged law enforcement pursuit culminating with her traveling across the international boundary into the nation of Mexico on Monday.

Vehicle Theft Discovered from Sober Living Home

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

“The keys were stolen out of my manager’s handbag. I happened to pull up right when it was happening,” Walters stated, adding that the minivan is used for the sobriety home’s tasks.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Multiple Counties

Officials located the van about 19 kilometers 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 145km/h on the State Route 118 until the chase proceeded into LA County. At that juncture, Ventura county authorities transferred the operation to the California highway patrol once Wilson merged onto the 405 freeway traveling southbound.

“This one is particularly unusual in the context of the road situation allowing individuals to continue to remain on the highway and extend this pursuit,” commented a public information officer from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

Wilson allegedly avoided all the spike strips tossed on the road by police, as documented in aerial videos.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath

The pursuit finally arrived at the US-Mexico border by early afternoon, prompting the highway patrol to end its pursuit due to jurisdictional constraints.

The vehicle owner stated on the following day that the vehicle was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was coordinating with the CHP to recover the vehicle.

“At the end of the day, I’m not concerned with the car,” she said. “I’m more at ease aware she was not injured. The minivan is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

Walters, who has operated the recovery residence since October 2024, acknowledges that the path to recovery from substance abuse and trauma is often non-linear.

“This is a psychological and substance abuse emergency,” Walters emphasized. “We need more support. It is essential to provide greater resources for those that are facing challenges.”

“Recovery isn’t always pretty,” Walters concluded.