Los Angeles, CA — A female driver behind the wheel of a stolen silver Toyota minivan led authorities on a high-speed chase across multiple Southern California counties on Monday before crossing the border into Mexico and escaping law enforcement.
According to officials, the pursuit began around 10:55 a.m. in Ventura County and spanned several freeways, with speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour before ending near the U.S.-Mexico border around 1:30 p.m.
Hours-Long Pursuit Across Multiple Counties
Authorities said the chase started after a silver Toyota Sienna was reported stolen from the 1900 block of Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks at approximately 10:35 a.m.
Just 20 minutes later, Ventura County sheriff’s deputies spotted the vehicle in Moorpark and attempted a traffic stop. When the driver refused to pull over, the pursuit officially began.
“The driver was seen weaving through traffic at high speeds, showing little regard for public safety,” one law enforcement official said.
The chase, according to The Kansas City Star, continued eastbound on the 118 Freeway, then southbound on the 405 Freeway. Once the vehicle crossed the 101 Freeway in Encino, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office handed off the pursuit to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Officers deployed multiple spike strips in an effort to stop the vehicle, but the driver successfully avoided each attempt.
Final Stretch Toward the Border
As the chase continued through Orange County and into San Diego County, traffic units coordinated air and ground surveillance. By early afternoon, the driver had reached the 5 Freeway, heading directly toward the international border.
“CHP maintained pursuit until the vehicle approached the San Ysidro Port of Entry,” officials said.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., the suspect successfully crossed the border into Mexico, effectively ending the chase. Law enforcement officers confirmed they were unable to continue pursuit across the border due to jurisdictional limits.
Investigation and Extradition Questions
Authorities have not yet identified the female driver, and no injuries were reported during the pursuit. Officials also did not disclose whether they plan to coordinate with Mexican authorities or seek extradition for the suspect.
“We are reviewing cross-border coordination procedures to determine the next steps,” a CHP spokesperson said.
The pursuit, which lasted nearly three hours, is now under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident has reignited debate over high-speed pursuits in urban areas, as social media videos showed the silver minivan speeding past cars on congested highways. Residents expressed concern over the potential danger to other drivers during the multi-county chase.
Law enforcement agencies emphasized that the primary goal during long pursuits is public safety, even when suspects manage to evade capture.
Authorities are urging anyone who spots the vehicle or has information on the driver’s whereabouts to contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
What are your thoughts on this chase and the suspect’s escape across the border? Share your views in the comments below.
