3 teens dead, 3 more injured after crashing into tree during brief Texas police chase

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas -- Three teenagers are dead after a short chase in north Harris County, Texas, according to the sheriff's office.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office said there were six teens in the vehicle during the chase, ranging in age from 14 to 15 years old.

Three of them died, including the driver, when the vehicle they were in crashed into a tree, HCSO said.

Officials said the vehicle was flagged as stolen by a license plate reader shortly after midnight. Deputies said they caught up with the vehicle and tried to stop it, but the driver drove away, sparking a very brief chase.

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HCSO said it was only about 40 seconds long, with speeds getting up to 90 miles per hour before the vehicle crashed into the tree.

Investigators said it's unclear what the teens were doing prior to the chase.

"There were some masks recovered from the scene. They did have some screwdrivers and hammers in their possession. At this point, it's all preliminary. So, we don't really know what they were out doing," Maj. John Nanny said.

Deputies said the three teens who survived are stable at the hospital. They will be interviewed by investigators.