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Boy, 5, Dead In Apparent Gang-Related Shooting

ELGIN, Ill. (STMW) - A 5-year-old boy was fatally shot in an apparent gang-related attack Friday night in northwest suburban Elgin, police said.

The boy, 5, was in a car with relatives when he was shot about 7 p.m. in the 900 block of Elma Avenue, according to an Elgin police release.

The car was pulling out of a driveway when shots were fired, the release said. The boy's relatives realized he was shot moments later and pulled into a gas station in the 1300 block of Dundee Avenue, where they called police.

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The boy was taken to Sherman Hospital in Elgin, where he was pronounced dead, according to police. He was identified as Eric M. Galarza, Jr.

"It is believed that this car was specifically targeted," Elgin police Chief Jeff Swoboda said. "We are determined to find those responsible for this incident."

The Elgin police gang unit is investigating.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2011. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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