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A woman previously residing at a female recovery facility in California reportedly took a stolen van and led a hours-long law enforcement pursuit culminating with her traveling across the border into the nation of Mexico on the start of the week.

Auto Theft Discovered from Recovery Residence

As stated in a police statement, a another female, the owner of the vehicle, 45, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her car key. The owner, who operates two female recovery residences, named the alleged thief as Alyssa Wilson at Diana’s House Sober Living, situated approximately 60 minutes north-west of LA.

“The keys were stolen from my house manager’s purse. I happened to pull up just as it was occurring,” she said, noting that the minivan is designated for the sobriety home’s tasks.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Several Regions

Officials located the van about 19 kilometers to the north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Wilson refused to stop and sped away. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the State Route 118 until the chase continued into Los Angeles county. At that juncture, Ventura county authorities transferred the pursuit to the CHP once the driver entered the Interstate 405 heading south.

“This one is very unique in the sense of the traffic conditions enabling drivers to continue to remain on the freeway and prolong this chase,” commented a public information officer from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

The suspect reportedly avoided all the spike strips tossed on the road by authorities, as documented in aerial videos.

International Getaway and Aftermath

The pursuit eventually reached the US-Mexico border by early afternoon, prompting the CHP to terminate the chase due to jurisdictional constraints.

The vehicle owner stated on the following day that the vehicle was located in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was working with the CHP to recover the vehicle.

“Ultimately, I’m not concerned with the car,” she remarked. “I’m more at ease aware she was not injured. The minivan is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

The sober living home owner, who has operated the recovery residence since last October, acknowledges that the journey toward sobriety from addiction and trauma is often non-linear.

“This is a psychological and substance abuse crisis,” she said. “There is a need for additional assistance. It is essential to provide greater resources for those that are facing challenges.”

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