A 44-year-old woman from Orange County has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run earlier this week that left an 84-year-old pedestrian dead, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The deadly Sept. 2 collision occurred at around 5:30 a.m. at the intersection of Anaheim Boulevard and Cerritos Avenue, according to a news release from the Anaheim Police Department.
Police and paramedics responded to the scene and found the victim, now identified as Anaheim resident Agustin Chavez, suffering from “severe traumatic injury.” He was then pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, officials said.
Investigators determined that the man was a pedestrian and was struck by an unknown vehicle which fled the scene without stopping to provide help as required by California state law.
Anaheim Boulevard was completely shut down for several hours between Cerritos Avenue and the 5 Freeway while police investigated.
Two days later, on Sept. 4, Anaheim resident Tania Rivas contacted the police department and identified herself as the driver in the collision.
“She voluntarily reported to the police department and provided a statement,” police said. “The investigators considered all available evidence and placed Ms. Rivas under arrest for felony hit-and-run.”
The 44-year-old was booked at the Anaheim Police Department and the vehicle she was driving during the hit-and-run has been recovered.
An investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Anaheim Police Department at 714-765-1900. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers Hotline at 855-TIP-OCCS.