Gunshot victim found dead near I-80 on-ramp

man was shot multiple times and died near an on-ramp to eastbound Interstate 80 in Richmond early Thursday, California Highway Patrol officials said.

The slaying was reported just after midnight at the Hilltop Drive on-ramp, CHP officials said. An officer arrived at the scene at 12:27 a.m. and found the victim lying dead near the shoulder of the on-ramp.

Officer Jonathan Fransen, a spokesman for the CHP, which handles shootings and homicide investigations that occur on highways under the agency’s jurisdiction, said he could not immediately provide the exact time of the shooting.

The slaying follows a rash of shootings investigated by the CHP on or near East Bay freeways, with dozens reported since this time last year.

Officials don’t yet know whether the victim walked, drove or was dropped off at the ramp.

Multiple shell casings were found littering the area where the victim was discovered, near two bus stops and a residential neighbor A hood.

Authorities did not immediately identify the victim.

No suspects were arrested, and a motive in the shooting remained under investigation.

The Interstate 80 on-ramp at Hilltop Drive remained closed as investigators processed the scene for evidence late Thursday morning, according to CHP Officer Brandon Correia.