An 84-year-old man's life came to a tragic end early Monday morning, when he was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run in Anaheim. According to a Hoodline report, the collision occurred around 5:30 a.m. near the junction of Anaheim Boulevard and Cerritos Avenue. Responding officers found the man, later identified through the City of Anaheim's official announcement as Agustin Chavez, with severe injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The initial absence of a suspect left authorities appealing to the public for information, without disclosing details of the suspect vehicle. The Anaheim Police Department, in a statement obtained by Hoodline, emphasized that "due to the ongoing investigation, the suspect vehicle description will not be released at this time." However, Tania Rivas, a 44-year-old Anaheim resident, subsequently contacted police four days later, self-identifying as the driver in the fatal incident. According to official information from the City of Anaheim, Rivas was arrested on felony hit-and-run charges after providing her statement to police.
The aftermath of the hit-and-run led to significant disruptions, as Anaheim Boulevard was closed in both directions between Cerritos Avenue and the I-5 freeway for several hours to facilitate a thorough investigation. This closure echoed the gravity of the event that claimed the life of Chavez, a situation faced by a city all too familiar with such scenes.
The arrest of Rivas has brought a measure of progress into the investigation of the hit-and-run that claimed Chavez’s life. The case is not closed, though, as police continue to seek additional information. Those with insights are encouraged to contact the Anaheim Police Department at 714-765-1900 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS, a call to action reported by the City of Anaheim. The involved vehicle, a gray 2020 GMC Acadia, has been recovered following Rivas' surrender to authorities, a critical piece in the unfolding narrative of justice being sought and, perhaps eventually, served.
