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Mateo Zastro: 3-year-old boy dies after being shot in head accidentally during road rage incident

'Our hearts are broken by the senseless act of violence that took this child’s life,' Police Commander Brian Spreyne said

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: In a very tragic incident, a little boy lost his life while he was in a car with his mother and his three siblings. Law enforcement officials are now looking for a man who allegedly shot Mateo Zastro’s in his head during a road rage episode that happened Friday night, September 30, near 44th & West Marquette Road.

As per reports, the three-year-old boy’s mother was behind the wheel with her four children riding with her when she got involved in a violent altercation with another driver. The reason behind the road rage incident is not known yet. The male suspect, possibly driving either a Dodge Charger or a Ford Mustang, began shooting at the victim’s vehicle. Though the other four family members escaped the bullets, Mateo did not and reportedly succumbed to his injuries hours later at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

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The 8th District Commander Bryan Spreyne said, “We will not rest until those responsible for this senseless and cowardly act of violence are brought to justice. The mother attempted to leave from the other vehicle, when the offender subsequently followed her. Several shots were fired.”

Spreyne also added, “I want to offer our deep and profound condolences to the family of this precious 3-year-old child. Our hearts are broken by the senseless act of violence that took this child’s life.” People have been urged to make anonymous tips to Chicagopolice.org if they have any information related to the crime. “There is a $7,000 reward for information resulting in charges and a conviction,” FOX 32 Chicago reported.

Roger Ramirez, who lives near where the assault took place, said: “It’s just so sad to see it escalate to that and kill that little boy. I moved here recently because I thought it was a safe neighborhood.” Another person named Ismeal Fernandez, who also heard the gunshots, added: “This never happens here in the 20 years my parents and I have been in this house, something like this hasn’t happened.”

Community activist Andrew Holmes expressed his grief over the horrific event. He said, “That child usually sits in the front seat next to his mother, but he wanted to get back to sit next to his brother. This is the second child this year shot in the head in a vehicle. We have baby killers out here on the street,” before adding, “The public can help solve this. If you saw anything, know anything, please give up any information. We need to get these baby killers off the streets.”

People on Twitter also showed their anger and sorrow over the misdeed. A user tweeted, “never even got a chance to start. so sad.” The second one wrote: “That poor baby. Time for Lightfoot to pack her bags.” The third one said, “He’s an angel.  Sympathy to his family.  My heart hurts for them.🥲” “Jesus Christ!!! What is going on in what was once one of the most beautiful cities in the country?” the fourth user shared.

A person noted, “If Lightfoot wins re-election we riot. Peacefully!!! I’m so sick of these politicians. Children Lives Matter!!!” Another person stated: “Children are paying the price for Democrat policies. That's not modern, educated Western civilization. That's the dark ages!” “Sad but true. Fear maybe ? But of what ? Ignorance? Good guess but what ? These public elected employees have to held accountable. That means vote them out …” a tweet added.