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A female individual formerly staying at a female recovery facility in the state of California allegedly stole a minivan and engaged in a hours-long police chase ending with her traveling across the border into the nation of Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Discovered from Sober Living Home

According to a police announcement, a another female, Nicolle Walters, 45, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her car key. The owner, who manages two female recovery residences, identified the suspect as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately an hour’s drive of LA.

“My keys were taken from my manager’s handbag. I arrived just as it was happening,” Walters stated, noting that the minivan is designated for the facility’s daily operations.

Dramatic Chase Unfolds Across Several Regions

Authorities tracked the van about 19 kilometers north in a nearby city, where they attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the suspect did not comply and accelerated rapidly. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the State Route 118 until the chase proceeded into LA County. At that juncture, local sheriff’s deputies handed over the pursuit to the CHP once Wilson entered the 405 freeway heading south.

“This one is very unique in the context of the traffic conditions enabling individuals to continue to remain on the freeway and extend this pursuit,” said a spokesperson from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

Wilson reportedly avoided all the spike strips deployed on the road by police, as seen in footage from above.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath Developments

The chase finally arrived at the international border by 1.30pm, leading to the CHP 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 CHP to retrieve it.

“At the end of the day, I’m not concerned with the car,” she said. “I’m relieved aware she wasn’t hurt. The car is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

Walters, who has operated Diana’s House Sober Living since October 2024, acknowledges that the path to recovery from addiction and emotional distress is not always linear.

“This represents a psychological and addiction crisis,” she said. “We need additional assistance. It is essential to provide more resources for those that are facing challenges.”

“Recovery isn’t always pretty,” she added.