police-pursuit · South Beloit, Illinois and Beloit, Wisconsin

What happened after the police pursuit in South Beloit and Beloit?

What happened?

After a police pursuit began on March 16, 2024, in South Beloit, Illinois, suspect Ray Castro was killed by Roscoe Police Sgt. Robert A. Lewis in Beloit, Wisconsin, and the 17-year-old driver, A.O., was shot, charged, and later convicted of felony offenses.

Final outcome verified

Last checked: Jun 15, 2026
Sources: YouTube; Rockton-Roscoe News; 105.9 The Hog FM

Timeline

  1. Ray Castro had a history of fleeing from officers, with one incident reported in July 2021.

  2. Ray Castro was wanted for armed robbery of a gas station in Woodstock, Illinois, from July 2022, leading to felony arrest warrants in October 2023 after he failed to appear for a court hearing in August 2023.

  3. The incident began around 9:10 a.m. in South Beloit, Illinois, when Officer Paul Reed stopped a vehicle, identified Ray Castro as a passenger with outstanding warrants. Castro resisted arrest, leading to A.O. driving away with Officer Reed partially pinned in the vehicle. During the struggle, Reed shot A.O. in the leg, causing the vehicle to crash. Castro then fled on foot, carjacked a vehicle at knifepoint from Danny at Macktown Lounge, and led police on a high-speed chase into Beloit, Wisconsin.

  4. Roscoe Police Sgt. Robert A. Lewis shot and killed Ray Castro after Castro rammed Lewis's squad car during the pursuit in Beloit, Wisconsin.

  5. Winnebago County State's Attorney J. Hanley determined Officer Paul Reed was justified in shooting A.O., and Rock County District Attorney David J. O'Leary concluded Sgt. Robert A. Lewis acted lawfully in shooting Ray Castro.

  6. A.O. was found guilty of felony vehicle fleeing and second-degree recklessly endangering.

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