The Paintsville Police Department has opened an investigation after a human fetus was discovered Thursday morning.

Johnson County Coroner J.R. Frisby confirmed  that the baby was discovered on Ponderosa Drive, close to the Paintsville Sewer Plant. Paintsville Utilities employees discovered the body and immediately called local law enforcement.

The remains were sent to Frankfort for an autopsy at the State Medical Examiner’s Office. The incident is under investigation.