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A woman previously residing at a women’s sobriety home in California reportedly took a stolen van and led a hours-long police chase ending with her crossing the international boundary into the nation of Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Reported from Recovery Residence

As stated in a police statement, a second woman, the owner of the vehicle, forty-five years old, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, along with her vehicle key. The owner, who manages two female recovery residences, identified the suspect as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, situated approximately 60 minutes north-west of Los Angeles.

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

High-Speed Pursuit Unfolds Across Several Regions

Officials tracked the van about 19 kilometers north in a nearby city, where they tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect did not comply 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, Ventura county authorities handed over the operation to the California highway patrol once Wilson merged onto the Interstate 405 heading south.

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

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

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath Developments

The pursuit finally arrived at the international border by 1.30pm, leading to the CHP to end its pursuit due to jurisdictional constraints.

The vehicle owner indicated on Tuesday that the minivan was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was working with the CHP to retrieve it.

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the car,” Walters remarked. “I’m relieved knowing she wasn’t hurt. The car is easily substituted.”

Insight from the Facility Operator

The sober living home owner, who has operated Diana’s House Sober Living since last October, recognizes that the path to recovery from substance abuse and emotional distress is often non-linear.

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

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