The remains of a man were discovered in a drainage ditch near downtown Banning, but the circumstances behind his death were still unconfirmed, authorities said Thursday.
The body was found shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday near a business at 4545 W. Ramsey St., just north of Interstate 10, according to the Banning Police Department.
Capt. Brandon Smith said a passerby spotted the remains in the ditch and called 911.
Patrol officers quickly confirmed the victim was dead, but it was unclear for how long.
The matter was turned over to the police department’s Detective Bureau for further investigation. An autopsy was also pending Thursday.
Anyone with information was asked to contact police at 951-922-3170.