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A 3-year-old boy was shot to death while riding in the back seat of his mother's SUV late Sunday night, according to police.

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"It's a tragic incident," DeKalb County Police Chief James Conroy said.


Roshonda Craig told DeKalb County Police a gray Dodge Charger with temporary tags pulled alongside her as she traveled down Eastland Road Southeast.

"She said she noticed someone in the car point what she thought was a paintball gun at her," Chief Conroy said. "But then she heard a real gunshot."

Police said Craig didn't realize her little boy had been shot until she reached near the Bouldercrest Road intersection.

"She looked back at the car seat and saw him unresponsive, so she pulled over immediately," Chief Conroy.

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Neighbors didn't want to speak on camera, but they told FOX 5 News they heard Craig whaling and crying out for someone to help her baby.

"EMS arrived and rushed him to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead," Chief Conroy said.

DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office identified the child as Thirigi Craig.

Police later responded to a report of a vehicle matching the description of the Charger in southeast Atlanta.

Officers said it got away before they could make a stop.

FOX 5 News saw a DeKalb County Police detective at a gas station at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Browns Mill Road, in the area where the search for the car was called off.

"We are actively searching for the newer model gray Dodge Charger with temporary tags," Chief Conroy said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call DeKalb County Police.