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A woman formerly staying at a women’s sobriety home in the state of California reportedly stole a minivan and led a hours-long police chase culminating with her crossing the border into the nation of Mexico on the start of the week.

Auto Theft Discovered from Sober Living Home

As stated in a law enforcement statement, a second woman, Nicolle Walters, 45, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her car key. The owner, who manages two women’s sober living homes, named the alleged thief as Alyssa Wilson at Diana’s House Sober Living, situated approximately an hour’s drive of Los Angeles.

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

Dramatic Chase Unfolds Across Multiple Counties

Authorities located the stolen vehicle about 12 miles north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect refused to stop and sped away. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the pursuit proceeded into LA County. At that point, local sheriff’s deputies transferred the pursuit to the California highway patrol once the driver entered the Interstate 405 traveling southbound.

“This incident is particularly unusual in the context of the traffic conditions enabling drivers to continue to remain on the freeway and prolong this chase,” said a public information officer from the local law enforcement agency.

Wilson reportedly avoided all the spike strips tossed on the roadway by authorities, as documented in footage from above.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath

The chase finally arrived at the US-Mexico border by early afternoon, leading to the highway patrol to terminate the chase due to legal limitations.

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

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the car,” Walters said. “I’m more at ease knowing she wasn’t hurt. The car is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

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

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

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