Body found inside burned car in Irvine
Irvine police are investigating a suspicious death after a body was discovered in a burned-out car in a creek bed near Michelson Drive and Harvard Avenue.
A jogger found the body about 9:20 a.m. Wednesday when he noticed the car and investigated, police said in a news release.
Because of the damage to the car, police weren’t able to identify its make, Irvine Police Lt. Julia Engen said.
A small access road named Riparian View that’s used for the Michelson Water Reclamation Plant and nearby wildlife sanctuary is the only way to reach the portion of the San Diego Creek where the jogger found the car.
“Although near a well-traveled intersection, the area itself is concealed from view by natural barriers,” police said in the news release.
The Orange County coroner’s office and Irvine detectives are investigating and have not released an identity pending notification of family.
Police have not said how the car ended up burned in the creek but said there’s so far no evidence of a crash.
“It’s definitely being investigated as something more than a collision,” Engen said.
Police ask that anyone with information call them at (949) 724-7000.
— Hannah Fry and Jeremiah Dobruck