ANAHEIM– Anaheim Police investigators have arrested Tania Rivas, a 44-year-old Anaheim woman, for a fatal hit-and-run traffic collision.
On September 2, 2024, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Anaheim Police officers and Anaheim Fire & Rescue personnel responded to the area of Anaheim Blvd. and Cerritos Ave. regarding a pedestrian lying on the ground. Upon arrival, they discovered an 84-year-old man suffering from severe traumatic injury. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The initial investigation revealed that the pedestrian was possibly struck by a vehicle. However, the suspect vehicle left the scene before the officers arrived.
Traffic investigators responded to continue the investigation. Both directions of Anaheim Blvd, between Cerritos Ave and the I-5 freeway, were shut down for several hours. The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner later confirmed the pedestrian as Agustin Chavez, also a resident of Anaheim.
On September 4, 2024, Ms. Tania Rivas contacted the Anaheim Police Department and identified herself as the driver during the collision. She voluntarily reported to the police department and provided a statement. The investigators considered all available evidence and placed Ms. Rivas under arrest for felony hit-and-run. She was booked at the Anaheim Police Department. The vehicle used during the incident, a gray 2020 GMC Acadia, has been recovered.
The investigation is still ongoing. Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Anaheim Police Department at 714-765-1900 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.