Body of man found with multiple gunshot wounds in Colton alleyway

COLTON, Calif. (KABC) -- A homicide investigation was conducted in the city of Colton on Tuesday after a man was discovered dead with multiple gunshot wounds.

At about 7:30 a.m., Colton police responded to Sperry Drive, south of Fairway Drive, where a man's body with multiple gunshot wounds was found in an alleyway behind an apartment building.

The victim's identity was not known. He's described as a Hispanic man wearing pants and a sports jersey.

Nearby motel manager Pavreen Bob said he heard shots fired around 12:45 a.m. but thought it was fireworks.

"I heard shots like firecrackers. It went on like five to six (times), and I thought it was something, but I didn't see any commotion so I thought somebody was just burning crackers," he said.

Someone called police around that time but didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. It wasn't until 7:30 a.m. that a person who was just passing by discovered the body and dialed 911.

Neighbors who live nearby said the area is known for trouble.

"A lot of crime. I mean, we have the motels right here. I'm sure there's a lot of drug traffic in the area, there's been other shootings. I mean, just a couple months ago there was another murder in the alley behind the 7-Eleven," one resident said.

Evidence markers were spotted along the sidewalk leading to the body, but there was very little information on a possible suspect.

"As of right now, we're limited on leads and are asking for the community's help on this," said Colton Police Sgt. Ray Mendoza.

Sperry Drive between Valley Boulevard and Fairway Drive was closed while officials conducted their investigation.

Police collected surveillance video as part of their investigation.