LA PUENTE — Little information was available Saturday after a man was found fatally shot on sidewalk in a residential neighborhood of La Puente.

The body of Ellis Rachal Jr., 44, of La Puente, was found shortly before 4 a.m. in the 15900 block of Hill Street, according to Los Angeles County sheriff’s and coroner’s officials.

He was first found lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his chest by a passer-by, coroner’s officials added.

Several nearby residents said they heard what they believed to be gunshots shortly before the body was found, however officials were also looking into the possibility the shooting occurred elsewhere and the body was dropped off on Hill Street.

Nearby resident Jaime Gonzalez said he was awakened about 3:30 a.m. by what sounded like three to four gunshots, but was not aware of the death until he left his home for work several hours later.

Authorities cordoned off the area during their initial investigation and prevented residents from leaving until about 6:30 a.m., he said.

The shooting is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau, and anyone with information is asked to contact homicide detectives at 323-890-5500.