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A woman previously residing at a female recovery facility in the state of California reportedly stole a minivan and led a prolonged law enforcement pursuit 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 law enforcement announcement, a another female, Nicolle Walters, forty-five years old, notified authorities that her gray minivan from 2004 was stolen, along with her car key. Walters, who manages two women’s sober living homes, identified the alleged thief as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately an hour’s drive of LA.

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

Dramatic Chase Unfolds 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 the suspect refused to stop and accelerated rapidly. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the State Route 118 until the pursuit proceeded into Los Angeles county. At that point, Ventura county authorities handed over the operation to the CHP once the driver entered the 405 freeway traveling southbound.

“This one is very unique in the context of the road situation allowing drivers to continue to remain on the freeway and extend this pursuit,” said a public information officer from the Ventura county sheriff’s office.

The suspect allegedly avoided all the tire-deflation devices tossed on the roadway by authorities, as documented in footage from above.

International Getaway and Aftermath

The pursuit eventually reached the international border by early afternoon, leading to the CHP to terminate the chase due to jurisdictional constraints.

Walters stated on Tuesday that the minivan was located in the Mexican city of Tijuana and that she was coordinating with the authorities to recover the vehicle.

“Ultimately, I’m not worried about the vehicle,” she remarked. “I’m relieved aware she was not injured. The car is replaceable.”

Owner’s Perspective

The sober living home owner, who has run Diana’s House Sober Living since last October, recognizes that the path to recovery from substance abuse and emotional distress is not always linear.

“This represents a mental health and addiction crisis,” she said. “There is a need for more support. We need more resources for those that are struggling.”

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