Pittsboro, N.C. — The Chatham County Sheriff's Office is investigating a body found Wednesday morning near Pittsboro. 

A motorist driving along Chicken Bridge Road in northern Chatham County called 911 around 7:20 a.m. after finding the body on the side of the road.

Sheriff's investigators and the State Bureau of Investigation were at the scene for nearly 12 hours and Chicken Bridge Road was closed for much of that time. Only residents were permitted to pass, which frustrated Perrin Heartway, a veterinarian trying to treat an ailing horse in the area.

"I needed to cross the bridge, Chicken Bridge, three times today. Each time I thought a number of hours had passed, enough time for them to finish up," he said. "I don't know what they're doing, but I guess they need the time."

Authorities remained very tight-lipped about the investigation throughout the day, but said residents in the area are not believed to be in danger and that the case is an "active criminal investigation."

Anyone who saw any vehicles parked on the east side of Chicken Bridge Road before 7:15 a.m. is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 919-545-8129.