5-year-old shot, killed in Beloit road attack

BELOIT, Wisconsin — Authorities have released the name of a 5-year-old boy who was shot and killed while riding in the back seat of his father’s car in southern Wisconsin.

The Rock County medical examiner’s office said Saturday that Austin R. Ramos Jr. of Beloit died from “firearm-related trauma” and that additional testing is being conducted.

Beloit police say the boy was killed by a shot fired from a sport-utility vehicle that pulled alongside his father’s car, hitting him at least once in the abdomen.

It happened around 7:15 p.m. Friday near Prairie Avenue and Shopiere Road in the city 65 miles southwest of Milwaukee along the Illinois border.

Interim Police Chief David Zibolski said the SUVe had been following the father’s car. He said he didn’t know long the SUV had pursued the car or if the father was the intended target but added that the father was cooperating with authorities.

He said investigators hadn’t determined how many shots were fired. The father wasn’t hit.

“We really ask that our community in Beloit come forward and help solve this crime,” Zibolski said. “We need the support and cooperation of Beloit.”

Police are reviewing surveillance video for clues about the shooter.