Body found near Coalinga, homicide investigation underway

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno County sheriff's deputies say they are conducting a homicide investigation after a man was found death north of Coalinga. Paramedics were called to the scene around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday after a report of an injured person seen near Fresno Coalinga Road and Dorris Avenue. When they arrived, they found the man's body about 100 feet north of the road.

Investigators are not saying how the man died, but because he was found considerably far from the road, they don't believe he's the victim of a hit-and-run. They're hoping witnesses will come forward with details in an effort to help them figure out exactly what happened.

"We could use the public's help on this. If they happened to be driving on Fresno Coalinga Road, and they saw some people or one or two others in and around the area over here near Highway 33, any type of suspicious activity like that, we'd appreciate a phone call to the sheriff's office," said Sgt. Joe Smith with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities describe the man as being around 25 to 35 years old. Detectives say they hope to find out the man's identity sometime Wednesday.