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A female individual formerly staying at a women’s sobriety home in the state of California allegedly took a stolen van and engaged in a hours-long police chase ending with her traveling across the international boundary into Mexico on Monday.

Auto Theft Reported from Recovery Residence

As stated in a police statement, a another female, Nicolle Walters, 45, notified authorities that her gray minivan from 2004 was missing, along with her car key. Walters, who manages two women’s sober living homes, identified the alleged thief as Alyssa Wilson at Diana’s House Sober Living, situated approximately an hour’s drive of LA.

“The keys were taken from my house manager’s purse. I arrived just as it was occurring,” she said, noting that the minivan is used for the sobriety home’s tasks.

Dramatic Chase Unfolds Across Multiple Counties

Authorities located the stolen vehicle about 12 miles to the north in a nearby city, where they tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect did not comply and sped away. She attained speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the chase proceeded into Los Angeles county. At that point, local sheriff’s deputies handed over the operation to the California highway patrol once Wilson merged onto the Interstate 405 heading south.

“This one is very unique in the sense of the traffic conditions allowing drivers to continue to remain on the highway and prolong this pursuit,” said a spokesperson from the local law enforcement agency.

The suspect reportedly avoided all the tire-deflation devices deployed on the road by authorities, as seen in aerial videos.

International Getaway and Aftermath

The chase eventually reached the US-Mexico border by 1.30pm, leading to the highway patrol to end its pursuit due to jurisdictional constraints.

Walters stated on the following day that the vehicle was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was working with the authorities to recover the vehicle.

“At the end of the day, I’m not worried about the car,” she remarked. “I’m relieved knowing she wasn’t hurt. The minivan is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

Walters, who has operated Diana’s House Sober Living since October 2024, recognizes that the journey toward sobriety from substance abuse and emotional distress is often non-linear.

“This represents a mental health and substance abuse crisis,” she said. “There is a need for more support. It is essential to provide more resources for those that are struggling.”

“The recovery process can be messy,” she added.