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A woman formerly staying at a female recovery facility in California allegedly stole a minivan and led a hours-long police chase ending with her traveling across the international boundary into Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Discovered from Recovery Residence

As stated in a police statement, a another female, the owner of the vehicle, forty-five years old, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her vehicle key. Walters, who operates two women’s sober living homes, 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 taken from my manager’s handbag. I arrived right when it was happening,” Walters stated, noting that the vehicle is designated for the facility’s daily operations.

Dramatic Chase Unfolds Across Several Regions

Authorities tracked the van about 12 miles north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Wilson did not comply and accelerated rapidly. She reached speeds of about 145km/h on the State Route 118 until the chase continued into LA County. At that point, local sheriff’s deputies handed over the operation to the California highway patrol once the driver entered the 405 freeway traveling southbound.

“This incident is very unique in the sense of the traffic conditions allowing individuals to persist on the freeway and prolong this pursuit,” said a public information officer from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

The suspect allegedly dodged all the tire-deflation devices tossed on the roadway by authorities, as seen in aerial videos.

International Getaway and Aftermath

The pursuit eventually reached the international border by early afternoon, prompting the highway patrol to end its pursuit due to legal limitations.

The vehicle owner indicated on the following day that the vehicle was situated in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was working with the CHP to retrieve it.

“At the end of the day, I’m not concerned with the vehicle,” Walters said. “I’m more at ease knowing she wasn’t hurt. The minivan is replaceable.”

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 not always linear.

“This represents a mental health and substance abuse emergency,” Walters emphasized. “We need additional assistance. It is essential to provide greater resources for those that are facing challenges.”

“Recovery can be messy,” Walters concluded.