Oakland police seek ‘person of interest’ in slaying of muralist

Investigators in Oakland said this man was a "person of interest" in connection with the Sept. 29 shooting of Antonio Ramos, who was killed while working on a community mural in Oakland. Investigators in Oakland said this man was a "person of interest" in connection with the Sept. 29 shooting of Antonio Ramos, who was killed while working on a community mural in Oakland. Photo: Courtesy, Oakland Police Department Photo: Courtesy, Oakland Police Department Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close Oakland police seek ‘person of interest’ in slaying of muralist 1 / 23 Back to Gallery

Investigators in Oakland released a photo Monday of a man they are calling a “person of interest” in the fatal shooting of Antonio Ramos, an artist who was killed while working on a community antiviolence mural last week.

Ramos, 27, was shot on the 3500 block of West Street on Sept. 29 while working on the Oakland Super Heroes Mural Project, a collaboration with West Oakland middle-school students organized by the Attitudinal Healing Connection.

Police did not name the man in the photo as a suspect, but said detectives would like to interview him in connection with the shooting. He is described as in his 20s, about 6 feet tall with a thin build and a dark complexion.

Police believe the motive in Ramos’ shooting is related to something that erupted at the scene, rather than to a running dispute. But investigators need help and are looking for more information from witnesses or those with knowledge about what happened, Oakland police Capt. LeRonne Armstrong said at a vigil the day after the shooting.

“It’s really tragic,” Armstrong said. “This is when we hope the community knows the role they play in our investigation. When information is not provided, we allow the perpetrators to remain in the community.”

Crime Stoppers of Oakland has offered a $10,000 reward for informing leading to the arrest of Ramos’ killer.

Anyone with information on the case or the identity of the man in the photo can call Oakland police (510) 238-3821 or the Crime Stoppers of Oakland hotline at (510) 777-8572.

Kale Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: kwilliams@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SFKale