EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A 19-year-old woman was charged in a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred Monday night on North Desert Boulevard.
Authorities said Ambar Chavira faces a felony charge of collision involving death and was released on bond Tuesday. The crash took place around 9:15 p.m. in the 6300 block of North Desert Boulevard, when Chavira, driving a silver 2016 BMW 428i, rear-ended another vehicle, causing a four-car pileup.
Jaime Andrade, 56, the driver of a Subaru Outback involved in the collision, died from his injuries at University Medical Center. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene, noting that another vehicle struck the wreckage shortly after the initial impact.
Officials stated Chavira fled the scene on foot without providing aid. Police were later contacted by Chavira's mother, who reported her daughter had left the crash site. Officers located Chavira at a residence on Rosa Gandara Drive, where she displayed signs of intoxication. According to the police affidavit, she admitted to drinking multiple alcoholic beverages at the Hope and Anchor bar prior to driving and acknowledged leaving the scene despite being advised to remain and call 911.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has opened an investigation into whether the bar served alcohol to Chavira, given her age. The incident has prompted renewed calls for legislative reform from the Sober Streets Movement, an organization focused on combating impaired driving.
The case remains under investigation by the El Paso Police Department.