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A female individual previously residing at a female recovery facility in the state of California reportedly took a stolen van and engaged in a hours-long police chase culminating with her crossing the border into Mexico on Monday.

Auto Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

As stated in a police statement, a another female, Nicolle Walters, 45, reported that her gray minivan from 2004 was missing, along with her car key. The owner, who manages two female recovery residences, named the alleged thief as one of the residents at Diana’s House Sober Living, located approximately 60 minutes north-west of LA.

“My keys were stolen from my house manager’s purse. I happened to pull up right when it was happening,” she said, adding that the minivan is designated for the facility’s daily operations.

High-Speed Pursuit Unfolds Across Multiple Counties

Authorities located the van about 12 miles to the north in a nearby city, where they tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect refused to stop and sped away. She reached speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the pursuit continued into Los Angeles county. At that juncture, local sheriff’s deputies transferred the pursuit to the California highway patrol once Wilson entered the 405 freeway heading south.

“This incident is very unique 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 local law enforcement agency.

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

International Getaway and Aftermath Developments

The pursuit eventually reached the international border by 1.30pm, prompting the highway patrol to terminate the chase due to legal limitations.

The vehicle owner indicated on the following day that the vehicle was situated in the Mexican city of Tijuana and that she was coordinating with the CHP to retrieve it.

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

Owner’s Perspective

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

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

“Recovery can be messy,” Walters concluded.