🔗 Share this article

A woman previously residing at a female recovery facility in the state of California allegedly stole a minivan and led a hours-long law enforcement pursuit culminating with her traveling across the international boundary into Mexico on Monday.

Auto Theft Discovered 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 operates two female recovery residences, identified the alleged thief as Alyssa Wilson at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately 60 minutes north-west of LA.

“My keys were stolen from my house manager’s purse. I happened to pull up right when it was occurring,” Walters stated, adding that the minivan is used for the facility’s daily operations.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Multiple Counties

Officials located the van about 19 kilometers north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect did not comply and sped away. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the State Route 118 until the pursuit proceeded into Los Angeles county. At that point, Ventura county authorities handed over the operation to the CHP once the driver merged onto the 405 freeway heading south.

“This one is particularly unusual in the sense of the traffic conditions allowing drivers to continue to remain on the freeway and extend this chase,” said a public information officer from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

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

International Getaway and Aftermath

The pursuit finally arrived at the US-Mexico border by early afternoon, prompting the highway patrol to end its pursuit due to legal limitations.

The vehicle owner indicated on Tuesday that the minivan was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was working with the CHP to recover the vehicle.

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the vehicle,” she said. “I’m relieved aware she wasn’t hurt. The minivan is replaceable.”

Insight from the Facility Operator

Walters, who has operated the recovery residence since last October, recognizes that the journey toward sobriety from substance abuse and trauma is not always linear.

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

“Recovery can be messy,” she added.