3 teens dead, 3 hospitalized after crashing stolen car in North Harris County, deputies say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Three teenagers are dead, and three remain in the hospital after a brief chase just after midnight.

The deadly crash happened on the 3900 block of Rolling Terrace Drive near Cypresswood Drive and Kuykendahl Road.

Late Thursday evening, Harris County Sheriff investigators identified the driver as 16-year-old Alexander Romero. The others in the car are described as 14 and 15 years old.

The driver and at least one other teen live in the same neighborhood where the crash happened.

Jimmy Queseda, who lives across the street from the crash location, was watching TV when he heard the impact.

"All of a sudden, you hear the siren on the car, but it came on briefly for just a few seconds and turned off, and the crash," Queseda said. "I opened the door to see what it was, and it just hit that tree."

Officials said the 2019 Kia was reported stolen on New Year's Eve. Shortly after midnight on New Year's Day, a license plate reader flagged it. Deputies said they caught up with the vehicle and tried to stop it, but the driver fled, sparking a very brief chase.

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 juveniles 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 in stable condition at the hospital. They will be interviewed by investigators.