POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) is looking into death of a 56-year-old Bartow man found in a "pool of blood."
The Bartow police chief described it as a "violent death."
WATCH: Death investigation underway after 56-year-old Bartow man found in 'pool of blood': PCSO
Jeffrey Blevins was outside of his apartment on North Wilson Avenue around 11 p.m. on March 26, per PCSO. Authorities said he was talking to his mother on the phone at the apartment complex where he lives with his sister, when his mother heard him fall to the ground.
PCSO Sheriff Grady Judd said his mother called for him, but there was no response, so she immediately ended the call. She then called her daughter, who's inside the apartment to tell her to find Blevins.
When Blevins' sister went outside, she saw him in a "pool of blood," then she immediately notified the Bartow Police Department.
PCSO said first responders arrived and transported him to Bartow Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead about 11:55 p.m. on March 26.
Neighbors told Tampa Bay reporter Rebecca Petit that this is out of the ordinary for what’s usually a quiet area.
“It’s always been peaceful and quiet. That's why I picked the area. I'm very surprised that this happened,” said Steve Wright.
Investigators spent hours at Fountain Place Apartments on Friday, gathering evidence at the scene. Going door to door, questioning neighbors, as they work to piece together exactly what led to Blevins’ death.
"They’re just asking where were you? They’re just basically trying to figure out where everybody’s location was. If they’ve seen anything or heard anything,” said Shavie Jones.
Judd described Blevins as a "squared away guy from all of the initial information we have." Authorities say the circumstances surrounding Blevins' death remain unclear.
“It was very strange and it’s also scary being so close to home. And I have three kids so it's really scary," Jones said.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Bartow Police Department or Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
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