HILLVIEW, Ky. — Authorities in Bullitt County need the public's help after a teenage boy was found dead on Thursday.
The Hillview Police Department said the 18-year-old was found near the intersection of Hillview Boulevard and Norwood Way at around 2:30 in the morning.
Brian Beck lives just down the road from where the teenager was found.
"My buddy and I were on the phone, and I heard quite a few pops," said Beck. "I thought it was just teenagers being teenagers, playing with fireworks and no, it was gunshots."
It's unclear at this time how the teen died. His identity has also not been released yet by the coroner's office.
Hillview Police Lt. Wyatt Rossell said detectives are working to gather evidence and identify potential witnesses.
Neighbors have done what they can to help, providing ring camera footage to police and giving as much information as they can.
"My wife and I, she's been here her whole life, 36 years," said Beck. "Just doesn't happen around this area."
Beck said it's been a hectic and scary day. Hours after the incident, he is out trick-or-treating with his child.
"From my neighborhood, it's a lot of older, retired folks, so it just doesn't happen," said Beck. "But it's moving toward this area apparently."
Police believe the homicide is an "isolated incident," reassuring residents there is no ongoing threat to the community.
"I believe the victim possibly knew who the person was and that's why this is more of a personal thing," said Rosell. "We understand that incidents of this nature can cause concern in our community, and we want to assure the public that we are taking all necessary steps to resolve this case promptly."
Kris Osborne walked by the intersection where the boy was found, going door to door trick-or-treating with his two young daughters.
"Just being in the area, my heart goes out for the family," said Osborne.
Anyone with information can contact the department by calling 502-955-6808 or send an email to Rossell by clicking here.
"We urge anyone with information regarding this case to come forward and assist us in our investigation," he said.
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