The accident happened as four teens were fleeing a purse snatching at Memorial City Mall.
The teens were suspects and were being followed by two off-duty deputies who were working security at the mall.
Sheriff's officials say the off-duty deputies were in a car owned by the mall that had the word "police" written on it.
Officials say the off-duty deputies were following the teens but they did not characterize it as a chase.
During the pursuit, the teen driver side swiped a car on Blalock Road, lost control, hit a tree and the vehicle rolled over several times.
A 16-year-old boy died at the scene and a 17-year-old suffered a broken rib and was taken to the hospital.
Two other 16-year-olds were arrested.
As for the purse snatching, the Houston Police Department is investigating.
Officers say a 42-year-old woman was in front of Target at the Memorial City Mall when she was approached by three teens who grabbed her Coach bag from her arm and ran toward a gold Mitsubishi.
The off-duty deputies spotted the car and followed it.
An internal affairs investigation and a review by the Office of Inspector General is currently underway.
An autopsy is scheduled for the teen later today.
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