CLEARWATER, Fla — Clearwater Police have identified a man found dead overnight Friday as a homicide investigation continues.
In a tweet, the department said the man killed was 49-year-old Jeffrey M. Chapman of Clearwater Beach.
Officers said Chapman was found dead at around 12:37 a.m. on Mandalay Avenue near Acacia Street.
Deputy Chief Michael Walek spoke Friday morning to provide a few preliminary details on the ongoing investigation. He said calls came to police regarding sounds of a struggle and "acts of violence" in the area. When police arrived, they found the man dead on the sidewalk in the neighborhood.
Walek said police believe Chapman was riding a bicycle in the area. However, this was not a hit-and-run, but rather a violent attack, Walek said.
As to why the man was killed, detectives are still working on determining a motive; despite that, the public is not believed to be in danger, Walek said.
Walek noted that the neighborhood is considered a quiet and peaceful one and a crime like this one is "very rare."
Police said they are currently looking for a black, four-door vehicle that may be connected to the crime.
Mandalay Avenue was closed to traffic in the area where police were investigating.
Anyone with information on this case should call Clearwater Police at 727-562-4242.
You can watch the full press conference below or by clicking here: