by Marta Murvosh
MOUNT VERNON — An 18-year-old Mount Vernon man was found dead early this morning in a Jeep Cherokee that had struck a home on North Eighth Street. The man had been shot, police say.
The name of the victim had not been released as of early this afternoon.
Officers were called to the scene near North Eighth and Fir Street around 1:20 this morning by a 911 caller reporting a gunshot, according to a press release from the police department.
Before officers arrived, another call to 911 reported a motor vehicle accident, and police found that the 1993 Jeep had left the road and struck the side of a home, according to the release.
Inside the Jeep, police found the deceased man, according to the release. No one inside the home was injured, and the structure sustained minor damage, police said.
An autopsy is expected to be performed Tuesday to determine cause of death.
Detectives today were interviewing residents in the area where the gunshot was heard and talking with people who knew the victim, police said. The Jeep will be searched for evidence.
Investigators ask anyone with information to call 360-336-6271.
