2023-03-03

On March 3, 2023, Amarillo Police Department (APD) narcotics officers conducted surveillance of a suspected drug distributor, Viviana Chavez, at the Extend-A- Suites hotel, located at 3411 West Interstate 40 Frontage Road, Amarillo, Texas. An APD officer observed a white Toyota Corolla parked in the hotel parking lot. The vehicle was registered to Viviana Chavez. During surveillance, officers observed Chavez and another female driving the vehicle. Officers also observed Chavez with a black leather purse.

At approximately 6:39 p.m., and APD officer conducted a traffic stop of the a Corolla for a traffic violation. The officer spoke with Chavez, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. Chavez claimed to be her sister, Vanesa Chavez. The officer observed Chavez reach down towards the floorboard and grab the black purse in an attempt to close the purse. The officer arrested Chavez for an outstanding municipal warrant and concealing identity. The officer asked Chavez for consent to search her vehicle. Chavez denied consent, claiming that Vanesa owned the vehicle. The officer requested that a canine officer respond to the traffic stop.