Marijuana A Factor In Crash That Killed 3 Teens: Police

EVERETT, WA - Marijuana intoxication was a major factor in a July crash that left three teenagers dead. The driver of the SUV had a THC level above the legal limit and had only recently obtained a driver's license, according to a report released Friday by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office.

The teens died around 4 a.m. on July 26 when their Kia Sorrento hit the back of and slid underneath a semi parked along Alderwood Mall Parkway. Landon M. Staley, 16, of Everett; Travin K. Nelson-Phongphiou, 16, of Everett; and Mikayla Sorenson, 15 of Bothell died of multiple blunt force injuries. A 15-year-old girl survived the crash.

The sheriff's investigation also found the semi driver partially at fault. Police gave Sanjiv Phambota a ticket because his truck was parked facing the wrong direction. The investigation also found the driver only had an intermediate license and was driving 56 MPH at the time of the crash.

"In addition to impairment, the driver was speeding, inexperienced, likely fatigued due to the time of day and in violation of his Intermediate License," the sheriff's report stated.

The driver's THC level was 6.8 nl/mg, according to police. The legal limit is 0.0 for anyone under 21 and 5 nl/mg for anyone over 21. Tests measuring THC levels in the blood have been called inaccurate, however.

Image courtesy Snohomish County Sheriff