A man's body was found lying in the middle of a street in Howell Friday, leading police to open up a homicide investigation.

According to police, a driver saw the man lying in the middle of Hurley Pond Road around 4 a.m., and called 911.

When responders arrived, they initially believed the incident to be a hit-and-run, but then it became clear they were dealing with a murder due to his injuries.

The road is quiet and dark, and runs between Howell and Wall Township.

Police believe the body was dumped at some point overnight between 3 and 4 a.m.

"We're out there just trying to figure out what happened here or somewhere else," said Charles Webster of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. "So we are trying to piece together what happened and the investigation is very much in an active status."

The name of the man, his age, or where he was from is unknown at this time.

An autopsy will be performed Saturday to confirm the cause of death.

Hurley Pond Road will remain closed until work in the field is complete.

Police saying this is an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public.