5-year-old boy killed in rolling gunbattle

ST. LOUIS — A 5-year-old boy was killed in a north St. Louis shooting Wednesday evening.

It happened near the intersection of West Florissant and Vera. Police say a minivan carrying a family had just pulled out of O'Fallon Park when someone in a black SUV pulled up and opened fire on them.

The father says he returned fire, and that continued back and forth for several blocks in a rolling gunbattle.

The child, who was shot in the chest, was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police say a 15-year-old and an elderly man were also shot. Family members say they're expected to be OK.

The father tells police he doesn't know who was shooting at them or why anyone would shoot at them.

An investigation is underway.