EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A 19-year-old woman has been charged in a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Monday night in northwest El Paso.
Ambar Chavira faces a felony charge of collision involving death after the incident at approximately 9:15 p.m. in the 6300 block of North Desert Boulevard. Police reported that Chavira was driving a silver 2016 BMW 428i when she rear-ended a Subaru Outback, leading to a four-car chain-reaction collision.
Jaime Andrade, 56, the driver of the Subaru, succumbed to his injuries at University Medical Center. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes, noting that a different vehicle struck the wreckage shortly after the initial crash. According to authorities, Chavira fled the scene on foot without providing assistance.
Officers located Chavira later at a residence on Rosa Gandara Drive, where she exhibited signs of intoxication. The police affidavit states that she admitted to drinking at a local bar prior to driving home and acknowledged fleeing the crash site despite instructions to call 911.
Regulatory Actions and Community Response
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is investigating whether the bar served alcohol unlawfully, given Chavira's age.
The Sober Streets Movement, a group advocating for impaired driving legislative reforms, has called for stricter penalties. “There doesn't seem to be harsh enough penalties to deter people from committing these types of crimes,” stated Aracely Rascon, a program coordinator for the organization.
The case is still under investigation by El Paso Police.