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A teen driver attempting to outrun Snohomish County deputies lost control, struck and killed three people, and injured two others in Everett.

The crash happened Saturday morning near the intersection of Airport Road and Center Road. It was initially thought the victims were among the homeless population.

“It’s not a homeless encampment,” (EPD) Officer C.J. Hawley told ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Newsradio Monday. “There are no tents or anything like that but there is a large amount of transient population that gathers there.”

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What led up to Everett crash that killed 3 people

The incident started when a deputy tried to pull over the vehicle — a black sedan — the teens were in just outside of Everett. The driver of the sedan fled and ended up speeding into an area within the Everett city limits.

The black sedan then ended up next to a chain-link fence in front of the La Palmera Mexican Restaurant and Lounge. The deputy was not speeding after the sedan.

Hawley said there were three teens in the car and all three tried to run after the driver hit the five pedestrians. As of this reporting, it’s unclear which teenager was driving.

“We can’t necessarily put charges on somebody who was riding in a vehicle as opposed to driving the vehicle, so we have to do our best to determine who that driver was,” Hawley said.

Police are also asking for the public’s help in determining which teen was behind the wheel.

“Any tips or information they think is helpful or pertinent, we would certainly appreciate that,” Hawley said.

Medics transported the two surviving victims to Providence Hospital in Everett. EPD is working to identify those who were killed and notify their families.

Police release teens following deadly crash

Police released all three teens to their parents.

In the meantime, officers who worked the scene are being offered assistance as the investigation continues.

“Whenever officers are exposed to things like this, which is unfortunately too often, we do have the infrastructure to support those officers,” Hawley said.

As with any fatality collision, detectives will also determine if alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash.

James Lynch is a reporter at ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Newsradio. You can read more of James’ stories here. Follow James on , or email him here.