Waterloo Regional Police have identified the man killed on Highway 7/8 on Tuesday morning as being a 20-year-old from Kitchener.
They say Irshad Sabriye was shot and killed near the Courtland Avenue interchange with Highway 7/8.
It is the fourth homicide and 19th shooting-related incident in Waterloo Region in 2019.
Waterloo Regional Police’s Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation from Ontario Provincial Police late Tuesday afternoon.
READ MORE: OPP investigating death, shooting on Hwy. 7/8 in Kitchener
They, along with the OPP, were called to the scene at the Courtland Avenue interchange with Highway 7/8 on Tuesday at around 2:20 a.m. for reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, police say they found a Sabriye’s body.
The investigation was initially handled by OPP as the highway falls under its jurisdiction.
A little while later, police were called to a vehicle fire on Connaught Street in Kitchener.
READ MORE: 3 people injured in shooting in Kitchener strip mall: police
Police arrived and say they found the vehicle in flames.
Late Wednesday afternoon, police announced that the two crimes are likely linked.
The car was also described as a black, four-door, 2019 Nissan Sentra
A police spokesperson told Global News that the eastbound on-and-off ramps at Courtland Avenue will likely be closed throughout the day as they comb the area for any evidence that may have been left behind.
Police say they will be in the area of both incidents on Wednesday canvassing for information. They say they are also on the hunt for any video footage people might have.
They are asking anyone with information to call 519-570-9777 ext. 8191 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.