Investigation involving Hope and Anchor bar, deadly crash closed over lack of evidence

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said it closed an investigation involving the Hope and Anchor bar in West El Paso. The investigation started after a 19-year-old driver allegedly drank at the bar before a deadly crash in April.

TABC said the investigation closed in July due to a "lack of substantiating evidence."

According to an arrest affidavit, Ambar Chavira drank at Hope and Anchor with her "sugar daddy." While driving back home, she allegedly rear-ended 56-year-old Jaime Andrade at a high rate of speed.

Andrade later died at the hospital, police said.

April 9, the TABC confirmed with ABC-7 that it opened an investigation involving the bar. The bar stayed open during the investigation because it didn't present a clear danger to the public or pose a risk to investigators.

"Businesses found to have sold alcohol to minors could face a temporary suspension of their license to sell alcohol along with a civil fine," TABC told ABC-7. "Additionally, the individual employee who sold the alcohol could face a Class A misdemeanor charge punishable by up to a year in county jail and a $4,000 fine."

The Hope and Anchor bar said Chavira provided a fake ID.

"Hope and Anchor requires ID checks for all guests who appear to be under thirty. When a guest presents what appears to be a valid, government-issued ID, Texas law considers that due diligence fulfilled. Hope and Anchor was presented with such an ID on the evening of April 6," the bar said.

According to an arrest affidavit, Chavira's mother told authorities that Chavira left the crash site without calling 911. Court records said she was charged with intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and collision involving death. When they found her, they noticed signs of intoxication, according to documents.

According to jail records, Chavira posted a $100,000 surety bond.

An attorney for Cesar Ornelas Injury Law said the firm is seeking information about the unidentified adult male who was allegedly with Chavira at the bar.