A driver found dead after a crash early Friday in Newnan had been shot, police said. The case is being investigated as a homicide.

Shortly after midnight, officers responded to West Washington and Melson streets, Lt. Tate Washington said. They found a black Ford Sport Trac had struck and severely damaged a utility pole. Earlier, the truck had struck another utility pole, severing that one at its base.

The driver was unresponsive, Washington said, and authorities later determined that person was dead.

“Further investigation revealed the driver had one noticeable gunshot wound,” Washington said.

No one else was in the vehicle.

Officials did not say what the actual cause of death was. The victim’s name was not released, pending notification of next of kin.

No other details were released.

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