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A woman formerly staying at a female recovery facility in California reportedly took a stolen van and engaged in a hours-long police chase culminating with her traveling across the international boundary into the nation of Mexico on Monday.

Vehicle Theft Discovered from Recovery Residence

According to a law enforcement announcement, a second woman, Nicolle Walters, 45, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, along with her car key. The owner, who operates two women’s sober living homes, named the alleged thief as one of the residents at a recovery facility in Thousand Oaks, located approximately 60 minutes north-west of LA.

“The keys were stolen from my manager’s handbag. I arrived right when it was happening,” she said, noting that the minivan is used for the facility’s daily operations.

Dramatic Chase Unfolds Across Multiple Counties

Authorities tracked the van about 12 miles to the north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect did not comply and sped away. She attained speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the pursuit proceeded into Los Angeles county. At that point, local sheriff’s deputies transferred the pursuit to the California highway patrol once Wilson entered the Interstate 405 heading south.

“This one is particularly unusual in the context of the road situation allowing drivers to continue to remain on the highway and prolong this chase,” said a public information officer from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

Wilson allegedly dodged all the tire-deflation devices tossed on the road by authorities, as seen in footage from above.

International Getaway and Aftermath

The chase eventually reached the international border by 1.30pm, leading to the highway patrol to end its pursuit due to jurisdictional constraints.

Walters stated on Tuesday that the vehicle was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was working with the authorities to retrieve it.

“At the end of the day, I’m not concerned with the vehicle,” Walters remarked. “I’m relieved knowing she was not injured. The car is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

Walters, who has operated the recovery residence since October 2024, recognizes that the path to recovery from substance abuse and trauma is not always linear.

“This represents a psychological and substance abuse emergency,” she said. “We need more support. It is essential to provide greater resources for those that are facing challenges.”

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