El Paso Bar Under Investigation After Fatal Crash

Hope and Anchor cooperating with TABC probe into 19-year-old's alleged underage drinking before deadly collision.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:29pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the vandalism of self-driving cars.A recent wave of targeted vandalism against autonomous vehicles exposes the tensions and frustrations simmering in this El Paso community.El Paso Today

An El Paso bar called Hope and Anchor is under investigation by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) after a 19-year-old woman allegedly drank there with her "sugar daddy" before a fatal car crash that killed a 56-year-old man. The bar says it is cooperating fully with the TABC probe and stands by its ID verification protocols, though it acknowledges the persistent challenge of fake IDs.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about underage drinking and the responsibilities of bars to verify IDs, especially in cases where a patron's actions may have contributed to a tragic loss of life on the roads. The investigation could lead to potential penalties or new policies for the bar, as well as broader discussions about alcohol service and public safety in the El Paso community.

The details

According to a criminal complaint affidavit, 19-year-old Ambar Chavira told El Paso police that she drank four alcoholic beverages with her "sugar daddy" at Hope and Anchor on the night of April 6 before the fatal crash. Chavira then allegedly drove her BMW into the back of a Subaru Outback that was stopped on the road, killing the 56-year-old driver, Jaime Humberto Andrade. Chavira was arrested on a charge of collision involving death.

  • On April 6, Chavira allegedly drank at Hope and Anchor before the fatal crash.
  • On April 13, Hope and Anchor issued a statement cooperating with the TABC investigation.

The players

Hope and Anchor

An El Paso bar that has been part of the community for over 16 years, located in the Kern Place neighborhood.

Ambar Chavira

A 19-year-old woman who allegedly drank at Hope and Anchor with her "sugar daddy" before a fatal car crash.

Jaime Humberto Andrade

A 56-year-old man who was killed when Chavira's car crashed into the back of his Subaru Outback.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)

The state agency investigating Hope and Anchor's role in the incident involving underage drinking.

Cesar Ornelas law firm

The firm representing the Andrade family and calling for the identification of Chavira's "sugar daddy".

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What they’re saying

“Our hearts go out to the Andrade family. Jaime Andrade was a member of this community and his loss is a tragedy.”

— Hope and Anchor

“Fake IDs are a persistent challenge facing every licensed establishment in El Paso and across Texas, and we card every guest who appears to be under the age of 30.”

— Hope and Anchor

What’s next

The TABC investigation into Hope and Anchor's role in the incident is ongoing, and the bar says it is cooperating fully. The Cesar Ornelas law firm is also calling for the identification of Chavira's "sugar daddy" who may share responsibility.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges bars face in verifying IDs and preventing underage drinking, as well as the potential consequences when those efforts fail. The investigation could lead to changes in policies or penalties for Hope and Anchor, while also sparking broader discussions about alcohol service, public safety, and community responsibility in El Paso.