The crash happened around 11:45 p.m. Sunday near Van Buren Boulevard and Challen Avenue, according to the Riverside Police Department.
Police say the teen was traveling at a high rate of speed in a GMC pick-up truck when he lost control and struck the two pedestrians and then a light pole. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene, as well as the dog.
One of the victims is Kevin Olivera, who leaves behind a new-born named Karla and a family that is stunned and devastated by the loss.
"He's a good man and I loved him a lot," said Olivera's girlfriend, Brianna Morales. "I can't even say nothing because it's hard, and I just (had) this baby and he got to see her on the 20th and that was it. And now we heard this and now he's gone."
"He had no license, no ID on him, he maneuvered and ran them over," said Otilia Carrillo, Olivera's relative. "I don't know if he was crossing the street or what, he had just gotten off of work."
Family members say Olivera was a hard-working young man who would sometimes hold two jobs at once.
The other victim was described as a man in his 30s, and the dog a German Shepherd.
The driver was detained and taken to a local hospital with internal injuries. He did not have a driver's license.
"We do suspect that alcohol may play a factor in this, we do know he's 17-years-old and is unlicensed as well as no ID," said Officer Ryan Railsback.
Riverside police also said that both of the suspect's parents live in Guatemala, and that he had been living in Perris with other family members.
The deadly incident prompted authorities to issue a plea to drivers to avoid speeding and getting behind the wheel under the influence.
"You can have as many motor cops, traffic cops as we could possibly have and still not be able to deal with all the types of bad driving that's out there right now," said Railsback.
Railsback added Sunday's crash is the city's 13th traffic fatality so far this year. Last year, the city saw 39 fatalities.
"People are just driving way outside of their ability. They're driving under the influence, it seems like they're invincible - especially when you're talking young people," said Railsback.
Residents of Riverside agree and say people should take more precautions and avoid driving after drinking alcohol.
"If I have one drink, I take Uber or Lyft. That's just for one drink and I won't even get behind the wheel," said Debbra Garcia of Riverside. "That's really upsetting, he should stay in jail for what he did to these two people and the dog."