Chelsea Ambriz is a meteorologist at WSAZ in West Virginia. She’s accused of breaking the skull of news anchor Erica Bivens in a fight over Bivens’ husband. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports that Ambriz was arrested at a bar in the city on August 26. The Mail report says that Bivens suffered a skull fracture and a ruptured eardrum after being pushed by Ambriz. The pair work together for WSAZ’s 4 p.m. news show.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Cops Say it All Started When Bivens’ Husband Told Ambriz He Wasn’t Interested
When half the news team is feeling powerful on this fabulous Friday! #powercolor #coordinating #rockingred
FTV Live reports that the incident began when Bivens confronted Ambriz. The news anchor believed the meteorologist had been hitting on her husband. The documents obtained by FTVLive says that Bivens and her husband had been out a celebration and went to a bar on Broadway after the party. There, they ran into Ambriz. The documents says that Bivens has had problems with Ambriz in the past. Bivens had thought that Ambriz was aggressive with her. The complaint reads, “Erica said that her husband didn’t think anything of it until later in the evening Chelsea began to hit on Donald. Donald told Chelsea that he was not interested in her and went back over and stood with Erica. Donald mentioned to Erica about what had just happened with Chelsea and so Erica went and confronted Chelsea about it. Erica said that Chelsea became irate and began to shove Erica causing both of them to fall over in the bar area.”
2. Ambriz Said on Facebook in May 2018 that She ‘Loved’ Bivens
Facebook/Chelsea Ambriz
In May 2018, Ambriz wrote on Facebook page, “I honestly can say I love my coworkers! Especially WSAZ Tim Irr, Erica Bivens and the entire First Look at Four team!!” In February 2018, Ambriz nominated Bivens for take part in the ALS Pepper Challenge.
3. Ambriz Calls Herself a ‘Cat Lady’
Facebook/Chelsea Ambriz
Ambriz is due to appear in court on September 21. The Mail report adds that Ambriz could face a year in prison and/or a $500 fine. On her Instagram page, Ambriz refers to herself as “Meteorologist. Cat lady. Purdue University Alumna.”
Ambriz says on her official WSAZ bio that she grew up in an Indianapolis suburb and attended Purdue where she graduated with a degree in Atmospheric Science. Ambriz cited the TV show, How the Earth Was Made, as having a huge influence on her interest in science subjects. While at Purdue, Ambriz did weather report broadcasts for the school and was an intern at WISH-TV. Her first professional job was at WBBJ-TV in Jackson, Tennessee, where she was a weekend meteorologist. In addition to her interest in the weather, Ambriz cites traveling and playing tennis as her other hobbies. In July 2018, Ambriz repelled down the city of Huntington’s tallest building for United Way charity Over the Edge.
4. Authorities Have Advised Bivens to Get a Restraining Order Against Ambriz
Facebook/Chelsea Ambriz
As news of the assault spread, Bivens posted on her Facebook page saying, “Just wanted to update you all, I am at home recovering from a fractured skull and ruptured eardrum. I’m waiting on the doctors to clear me so I can get back to work. Thank you so much for the kind words and support.” FTVLive reports that authorities have advised Bivens to get a restraining order against Ambriz.
5. Ambriz Is a Volunteer With the American Red Cross
Facebook/Erica BivensErica Bivens pictured with her husband in August 2018.
According to Ambriz’s LinkedIn page, in 2014 she spent a year studying at Tsinghua University & Hong Kong Baptist University. Ambriz writes on the page, “Traveled to Beijing, China and Hong Kong for a Maymester to learn about Chinese culture and how business is started and ran abroad.” Ambriz is also a volunteer with the American Red Cross.
