Police in San Diego County say a 13-year-old girl who took her mother’s car is responsible for a crash that killed two men.
An officer — who initially wasn’t aware the driver was a juvenile — approached the car and tried to speak with the girl Friday night, but she took off, Escondido police said in a news release.
The 13-year-old, from Vista, lost control after making a left turn and crashed into bushes, police said.
Two men who were sleeping in the bushes were struck and killed. Police believe the men were homeless. One was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other died at a hospital. Police said they were still working to identify them.
The girl and her friend, who was a passenger, were arrested and later released to their parents. It’s unclear whether they will be charged.
During the investigation, a police cruiser that was blocking the road was struck by a person suspected of driving under the influence. That driver was arrested. No one was injured in the collision.