A six-year old American boy was shot and killed by police during a car chase in Louisiana on Tuesday.

A man, believed to be the boy’s father, was attempting to escape police in the town of Marksville with his son in the front passenger seat, when police cornered the car.

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Sources told Town Talk the man tried to ram the police vehicle, before police stepped out of the car and opened fire.

It is believed the young boy was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car was also shot, and in a critical condition on Tuesday night.

Marksville Police did not release details of the incident, or why the man was fleeing authorities.

As requested by local police, State Police were called in to investigate the incident.

Avoyelles Parish Coroner Dr. L.J. Mayeux identified the child as Jeremy David Mardis, a first grade student at the local school, on Avoyelles Today.

According to the site, Marksville Police Chief Elster Smith will meet with the city attorney to decide if action should be taken against the officers involved.