Stolen Minivan Slams Into Home's Living Room
Police Credit 'Divine Intervention' For Preventing Injury

STOCKTON, Calif. –– Police said "divine intervention" prevented anyone from getting hurt when a stolen minivan slammed into a house Wednesday morning in Stockton.

The minivan hit two trees and then plowed into the living room of a home near the intersection of Locust and Lindsay streets at about 10 a.m. The van, driven by an unidentified woman, sent a couch and television flying.

Resident Tanya Martin said she, her husband and her 5-year-old son narrowly escaped injury.

"She came this close to running my son over," added Martin, holding her thumb and forefinger about an inch apart.

Officer Pete Smith said it was "divine intervention that somebody inside this house wasn't hurt."

After the van crashed, the driver took off running. Stockton police searched the area and found her hiding nearby.

The driver appeared uninjured. She was taken to a local hospital for an evaluation.

A member of a task force set up to find stolen cars spotted the minivan and then gave chase. Smith said the van was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the wreck.

"Thank the Lord none of my kids were right there, because she would have hit them," Martin added.