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A woman previously residing at a female recovery facility in the state of California allegedly took a stolen van and engaged in a hours-long police chase ending with her traveling across the international boundary into Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

As stated in a law enforcement announcement, a second woman, the owner of the vehicle, forty-five years old, notified authorities that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, along with her car key. The owner, who operates two female recovery residences, named the suspect as one of the residents at a recovery facility in Thousand Oaks, located approximately an hour’s drive of LA.

“The keys were taken out of my house manager’s purse. I arrived right when it was happening,” she said, noting that the minivan is designated for the sobriety home’s tasks.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Several Regions

Officials tracked the van about 12 miles north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the suspect did not comply and accelerated rapidly. She attained speeds of about 145km/h on the 118 freeway until the pursuit proceeded into Los Angeles county. At that juncture, Ventura county authorities transferred the pursuit to the California highway patrol once the driver entered the Interstate 405 traveling southbound.

“This incident is very unique in the context of the road situation allowing individuals to continue to remain on the freeway and extend this chase,” said a spokesperson from the local law enforcement agency.

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

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath

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

Walters stated on Tuesday that the minivan was situated in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was coordinating with the CHP to retrieve it.

“Ultimately, I’m not worried about the car,” she remarked. “I’m relieved aware she was not injured. The car is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

The sober living home owner, who has operated Diana’s House Sober Living since October 2024, acknowledges that the journey toward sobriety from substance abuse and trauma is often non-linear.

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

“Recovery can be messy,” she added.