High-Speed Pursuit Begins in Thousand Oaks After Minivan Theft, Ends With Arrest at Border

A vehicle theft on the morning of November 10, 2025, led to a high-speed pursuit across multiple jurisdictions, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. 

The incident began at a sober living home in the 1900 block of East Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks, where deputies received a report of a stolen grey 2004 Toyota Sienna minivan. 

The victim, a 25-year-old Thousand Oaks resident, reported that her car key was missing from her belongings. She identified the suspect as Alyssa Wilson, 29, who also lived at the same sober living facility.

Deputies from the Thousand Oaks and Moorpark Police Stations tracked the vehicle to the intersection of Cochran Street and First Street in Simi Valley.

Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but Wilson refused to comply and sped eastbound toward Erringer Road. The pursuit intensified as she reached speeds of up to 90 miles per hour on the eastbound 118 Freeway.

High Speed Pursuit of a Stolen Vehicle https://t.co/AX2ETJpPJm

— Ventura County Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) November 11, 2025

The chase continued through Ventura County as deputies followed the stolen minivan through busy morning traffic conditions. 

Deputies continued the pursuit after the suspect crossed into Los Angeles County. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) then assumed command when Wilson entered the southbound 405 Freeway, moving beyond Ventura County’s jurisdiction.

There were no injuries or collisions reported during the chase.

According to ABC7, Wilson drove south on the 5 Freeway into San Diego County, then onto the 805 Freeway, crossing the U.S.-Mexico border around 1:30 p.m. She later reentered the U.S. via the San Ysidro Port of Entry while still driving the same vehicle. 

U.S. Customs Officers detained Wilson and later transferred her to CHP San Diego officers, according to the NY Post. 

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office recovered the minivan, and Wilson was taken into custody, according to the CHP San Diego Area Office. The incident remains under investigation, with charges against Wilson pending.

Officials said Wilson was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident.

Past Incidents of Police Pursuit

On June 26, 2025, the California Highway Patrol was involved in a pursuit of a white utility van on the 101 Freeway in Ventura County.

According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, it initiated the pursuit after authorities found the vehicle was involved in a road rage incident. After the van entered Ventura County, it reached high speeds on the 101 Freeway.

In November 2018, a 44-year-old Oxnard resident, Joaquin Castro, was arrested following a vehicle pursuit with Ventura police. 

The chase started after an officer attempted to stop Castro’s pickup on Highway 126 near Kimball Road. The vehicle failed to halt, leading to the pursuit.