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A female individual previously residing at a female recovery facility in California reportedly took a stolen van and engaged in a prolonged police chase culminating with her traveling across the border into Mexico on Monday.

Vehicle Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

As stated in a law enforcement announcement, a another female, the owner of the vehicle, 45, notified authorities that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, along with her vehicle key. Walters, who manages two women’s sober living homes, identified the alleged thief as Alyssa Wilson at a recovery facility in Thousand Oaks, located approximately 60 minutes north-west of Los Angeles.

“The keys were taken out of my house manager’s purse. I arrived right when it was happening,” Walters stated, adding that the vehicle is used for the facility’s daily operations.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Multiple Counties

Authorities located the stolen vehicle about 12 miles to the north in a nearby city, where they attempted to pull the vehicle over, but Wilson refused to stop and sped away. She reached speeds of about 145km/h on the State Route 118 until the pursuit continued into Los Angeles county. At that point, local sheriff’s deputies transferred the pursuit to the CHP once Wilson entered the 405 freeway heading south.

“This incident is particularly unusual in the context of the road situation allowing drivers to persist on the freeway and prolong this pursuit,” said a public information officer from the local law enforcement agency.

The suspect allegedly avoided all the tire-deflation devices tossed on the road by police, as seen in aerial videos.

International Getaway and Aftermath Developments

The pursuit finally arrived at the US-Mexico border by 1.30pm, leading to the highway patrol to end its pursuit due to legal limitations.

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

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the car,” Walters remarked. “I’m more at ease knowing she was not injured. The minivan is replaceable.”

Insight from the Facility Operator

The sober living home owner, who has operated the recovery residence since October 2024, acknowledges that the path to recovery from substance abuse and trauma is not always linear.

“This is a mental health and substance abuse emergency,” Walters emphasized. “There is a need for more support. We need more resources for those that are struggling.”

“Recovery can be messy,” she added.