A stolen minivan sparked a dramatic two-hour, 170-mile chase through four Southern California counties on Monday, ending with the suspect escaping across the U.S.-Mexico border, authorities said.
According to The Associated Press, the pursuit began around 11 a.m. when deputies responded to reports of a Toyota Sienna stolen from outside a sober living home in Thousand Oaks, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect, a 29-year-old woman residing at the facility, led deputies on a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 90 mph. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) took over as the minivan headed south on Interstate 405 into Los Angeles County.
TV news helicopters captured the chase as the driver swerved to avoid hitting spike strips placed by officers. Even a second attempt failed to stop the vehicle, which continued into Orange County on Interstate 5 around noon.
According to officials, the pursuit eventually reached San Diego County, prompting the CHP to notify U.S. Customs and Border Protection shortly after 1 p.m. that the minivan was nearing the border with Mexico.
Due to safety concerns for the public and officers, CHP units were called off on State Route 905 around 1:20 p.m., a standard precaution near the border. “We don’t want this car forcing its way through the entry, hurting other people,” CHP Sgt. Esteban Hernandez told the Los Angeles Times.
Shortly before 1:30 p.m., authorities confirmed the minivan had crossed into Mexico via the San Ysidro entry point, Hernandez said. Customs and Border Protection officials have yet to release any additional details. Mexican authorities have yet to comment on the situation.
The incident highlights both the dangers of high-speed pursuits in Southern California and the challenges law enforcement faces near international borders. Authorities continue to investigate and have not reported any injuries during the chase.
