The Cookeville Police Department is investigating the death of a man whose body was found Thursday at the Highway 111 and Interstate 40 park and ride.  The gruesome discovery was reported around 4:30 p.m.  “Officers arrived to find the body of a middle-aged man lying near a vehicle,” said Major Carl Sells of the Cookeville Police Department.  The man had sustained a gunshot wound, and a handgun was found lying very near the body, he said.  Authorities did not provide further details about the nature of that wound.

“Detectives believe this was an isolated event,” Sells said.  At this time, investigators have no reason to believe anyone else using the park and ride lot may be subject to elevated levels of danger, he said.  The department did not release the name of the deceased.  Reported family members said the man was a military veteran.  The department’s investigation into the matter continues.

Anyone who was in the area of the park and ride lot between 2 and 4 p.m. on Thursday is asked to call the Cookeville Police Department, Sells said.  Detective Ryan Acuff is leading the investigation.  He can be reached at (931)520-5320.