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A female individual previously residing at a women’s sobriety home in California allegedly stole a minivan and engaged in a prolonged police chase culminating with her traveling across the international boundary into Mexico on Monday.

Auto Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

According to a law enforcement announcement, a second woman, the owner of the vehicle, 45, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, along with her vehicle key. The owner, who manages two women’s sober living homes, named the suspect as Alyssa Wilson at a recovery facility in Thousand Oaks, situated approximately an hour’s drive of LA.

“The keys were taken out of my manager’s handbag. I happened to pull up right when it was happening,” Walters stated, noting that the vehicle is designated for the facility’s daily operations.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Several Regions

Authorities tracked the stolen vehicle about 19 kilometers to the 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 Los Angeles county. At that juncture, local sheriff’s deputies transferred the operation to the California highway patrol once the driver merged onto the Interstate 405 traveling southbound.

“This incident is very unique in the sense of the road situation enabling individuals to continue to remain on the highway and extend this pursuit,” commented a spokesperson from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

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

International Getaway and Aftermath

The chase eventually reached the US-Mexico border by 1.30pm, prompting the highway patrol to terminate the chase due to jurisdictional constraints.

The vehicle owner stated on Tuesday that the vehicle was situated in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was coordinating with the CHP to recover the vehicle.

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the car,” Walters remarked. “I’m relieved knowing she was not injured. The car is replaceable.”

Insight from the Facility Operator

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

“This is a psychological and substance abuse emergency,” Walters emphasized. “We need additional assistance. It is essential to provide more resources for those that are struggling.”

“The recovery process can be messy,” she added.