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A woman previously residing at a women’s sobriety home in the state of California allegedly stole a minivan and led a prolonged police chase ending with her crossing the border into Mexico on Monday.

Vehicle Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

As stated in a police announcement, a another female, the owner of the vehicle, forty-five years old, notified authorities that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was stolen, along with her car key. The owner, who manages two women’s sober living homes, identified the alleged thief as Alyssa Wilson at a recovery facility in Thousand Oaks, located approximately an hour’s drive of Los Angeles.

“The keys were taken from my house manager’s purse. I happened to pull up right when it was happening,” she said, adding that the vehicle is used for the sobriety home’s tasks.

Dramatic Chase Unfolds Across Multiple Counties

Authorities located the stolen vehicle about 19 kilometers north in Simi Valley, where they tried to pull the vehicle over, but the suspect did not comply and sped away. She attained speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the chase proceeded into Los Angeles county. At that point, local sheriff’s deputies handed over the operation to the California highway patrol once Wilson merged onto the Interstate 405 traveling southbound.

“This incident is very unique in the context of the traffic conditions allowing drivers to continue to remain on the highway and extend this chase,” said a public information officer from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

Wilson allegedly dodged all the spike strips tossed on the road by authorities, as seen in aerial videos.

Cross-Border Escape and Aftermath Developments

The chase eventually reached the international border by early afternoon, leading to the highway patrol to end its pursuit due to legal limitations.

Walters indicated on Tuesday that the vehicle was located in the Mexican city of Tijuana and that she was working with the authorities to retrieve it.

“Ultimately, I’m not worried about the vehicle,” she said. “I’m relieved aware she wasn’t hurt. The car is replaceable.”

Insight from the Facility Operator

Walters, who has operated the recovery residence since last October, acknowledges that the journey toward sobriety from substance abuse and emotional distress is often non-linear.

“This is a mental health and substance abuse crisis,” she said. “There is a need for more support. It is essential to provide more resources for those that are struggling.”

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