A 45-year-old woman stole a minivan from a recovery home in Thousand Oaks and led authorities on an extended pursuit through Southern California before successfully fleeing into Mexico on Monday. The driver navigated the gray 2004 Toyota Sienna across more than 150 miles spanning four counties, evading spike strips and traveling at speeds reaching 90 miles per hour during the multi-hour chase.
Law enforcement from Ventura County initially pursued the vehicle through Simi Valley onto State Route 118 before the California Highway Patrol assumed control as the minivan continued southward through Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Officers terminated their pursuit near the international boundary due to safety considerations, allowing the suspect to cross the border.
Nicolle Walters, who operates the women's alcohol recovery facility where the vehicle was taken, confirmed the driver was a resident of the home and had reached safety in Mexico without injuries occurring during the incident.
Law enforcement from Ventura County initially pursued the vehicle through Simi Valley onto State Route 118 before the California Highway Patrol assumed control as the minivan continued southward through Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Officers terminated their pursuit near the international boundary due to safety considerations, allowing the suspect to cross the border.
Nicolle Walters, who operates the women's alcohol recovery facility where the vehicle was taken, confirmed the driver was a resident of the home and had reached safety in Mexico without injuries occurring during the incident.
