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A woman formerly staying at a women’s sobriety home in the state of California allegedly took a stolen van and engaged in a prolonged law enforcement pursuit ending with her crossing the border into Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

According to a police statement, a second woman, the owner of the vehicle, 45, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her vehicle key. Walters, who manages two women’s sober living homes, identified the alleged thief as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately an hour’s drive of Los Angeles.

“The keys were stolen from my house manager’s purse. I happened to pull up right when it was happening,” Walters stated, adding that the vehicle is designated for the sobriety home’s tasks.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Multiple Counties

Officials tracked the van about 12 miles to the north in Simi Valley, where they tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect refused to stop and sped away. She attained speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the pursuit continued into LA County. At that point, Ventura county authorities transferred the operation to the California highway patrol once Wilson entered the Interstate 405 traveling southbound.

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

Wilson allegedly avoided all the tire-deflation devices deployed on the roadway by police, as seen in aerial videos.

International Getaway and Aftermath

The chase eventually reached the US-Mexico border by 1.30pm, leading to the CHP to end its pursuit due to legal limitations.

The vehicle owner indicated on the following day that the minivan was located in the Mexican city of Tijuana and that she was working with the authorities 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 was not injured. The minivan is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

Walters, who has operated Diana’s House Sober Living since last October, acknowledges that the journey toward sobriety from addiction and trauma is not always linear.

“This represents a mental health and addiction emergency,” she said. “We need additional assistance. It is essential to provide greater resources for those that are struggling.”

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