Overview
- Ventura County officials said the pursuit began around 10:35 a.m. in Thousand Oaks after a report of a stolen van, with Moorpark deputies initiating the stop before the CHP took over near the Sepulveda Pass.
- The chase covered SR-118, US-101, I-405 and I-5 through Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, exceeding 180 miles as San Diego County’s ASTREA helicopter provided aerial tracking.
- Authorities tried multiple spike strips that were evaded or failed, including a misfire in the Oceanside area, while the driver mostly maintained normal freeway speeds.
- CHP units were canceled near State Route 905 for safety considerations, and the vehicle then entered Mexico at the San Ysidro port of entry, ending U.S. pursuit efforts.
- Officials said the van was taken without force, the driver is believed to be a lone woman, and investigators can act if the vehicle returns; local media also reported authorities spoke with a family member.