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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 culminating with her traveling across the border into Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Reported from Recovery Residence

As stated in a police statement, a second woman, Nicolle Walters, 45, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her car key. The owner, who operates two female recovery residences, identified the alleged thief as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, situated approximately an hour’s drive of LA.

“My keys were taken from my manager’s handbag. I happened to pull up right when it was occurring,” Walters stated, noting that the vehicle is used for the sobriety home’s tasks.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Several Regions

Officials located the van about 12 miles to the north in Simi Valley, where they tried to pull the vehicle over, but Wilson refused to stop and sped away. She attained speeds of about 90mph on the State Route 118 until the chase proceeded into Los Angeles county. At that juncture, local sheriff’s deputies transferred the operation to the CHP once Wilson entered the 405 freeway heading south.

“This one is very unique in the context of the road situation enabling drivers to persist on the highway and prolong this chase,” commented a public information officer from the local law enforcement agency.

Wilson reportedly dodged all the tire-deflation devices deployed on the road by authorities, as seen in aerial videos.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath

The pursuit eventually reached the US-Mexico border by early afternoon, leading to the highway patrol to terminate the chase due to jurisdictional constraints.

Walters stated on the following day that the minivan was located in the Mexican city of Tijuana and that she was working with the CHP to recover the vehicle.

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the vehicle,” Walters remarked. “I’m more at ease aware she wasn’t hurt. The minivan is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

The sober living home owner, who has operated the recovery residence since October 2024, recognizes that the journey toward sobriety from substance abuse and trauma is often non-linear.

“This represents a mental health and addiction crisis,” Walters emphasized. “There is a need for more support. It is essential to provide greater resources for those that are struggling.”

“The recovery process isn’t always pretty,” Walters concluded.