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Toddler killed in Battle Creek drive-by shooting, investigation underway

Battle Creek Police said someone in a dark SUV fired multiple shots into a home. Authorities don't believe the baby's family was the intended target.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich — A 2-year-old boy is dead after Battle Creek authorities say someone fired shots into his home early Tuesday and then fled the area.

Kai Rowan, 2, died from his injuries Tuesday afternoon. 

The incident happened around 2:20 a.m. in the 100 block of Cliff Street.

Officers found the boy suffering from a gunshot wound and took him to an area hospital where he later died. 

Investigators believe a dark-colored SUV drove past the home and fired shots into the house.

Kai was sleeping in his bed at the time and was the only person hurt. 

Authorities believe the boy's family was not the shooter's intended target. 

"We believe there's some cursory information of some type of beef or argument going on between both parties," said Deputy Chief Shannon Bagley. "Kai's family is not associated with that so there's individuals within the community who has information on those involved."

Police don't have any leads of a suspect at this time.

Loved ones gathered outside the home Tuesday night to celebrate Kai's life. 

Credit: Gurpreet Singh
Family and friends hold a vigil to honor Kai, a toddler who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Battle Creek.

The Deputy Chief adds there have been six homicides in Battle Creek so far this year. Three of the six are related to intimate partner domestic violence situations. 

Police are asking the community to help solve this crime. 

Credit: Gurpreet Singh
Family and friends hold a vigil to honor Kai, a toddler who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Battle Creek.

If anyone was in the area at the time described and has information that might help the police, you can call them at 269-781-0911 or through Silent Observer at 269-964-3888. 

"Police, and the city as a whole, offer their deepest sympathies to Kai’s family. We hope to gather the information needed to solve this violent crime that took the life of an innocent child," Battle Creek Police said.

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