EL PASO, Texas – A 19-year-old woman told investigators she had been drinking with her “sugar daddy” at a local bar shortly before a fatal hit-and-run crash in northwest El Paso on Monday night, according to a police complaint affidavit.
Ambar Chavira faces a felony charge of collision involving death. She was released on bond Tuesday.
Police say the crash occurred around 9:15 p.m. in the 6300 block of North Desert Boulevard. According to the affidavit, Chavira was driving a silver 2016 BMW 428i when she failed to control her speed and rear-ended another vehicle, triggering a four-car chain-reaction collision.
Jaime Andrade, 56, the driver of a Subaru Outback involved in the pileup, died from his injuries at University Medical Center.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, reporting that another vehicle struck the wreckage moments after the initial impact. Authorities allege Chavira fled the scene on foot without rendering aid. According to the affidavit, Chavira’s mother later contacted police to report that her daughter had fled the crash site.
Officers tracked Chavira to a residence on Rosa Gandara Drive, where they noted she showed signs of intoxication. The affidavit states Chavira admitted to consuming multiple alcoholic beverages at the Hope and Anchor bar before attempting to drive home. She also reportedly acknowledged leaving the scene despite being told to stay and call 911.
Regulatory and Community Response
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has launched an investigation to determine if the bar served alcohol in violation of state law, particularly given the suspect’s age.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for legislative reform from the Sober Streets Movement, a group comprised of families affected by impaired driving.
“Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be harsh enough penalties to deter people from committing these type of crimes,” said Aracely Rascon, a program coordinator for the organization. “It’s not only happening so consistently, but I feel like people are getting so comfortable.”
The case remains under investigation by El Paso police.