NEW YORK _ A dead body was found wrapped in red carpet and deposited like trash on the curb outside a Harlem Starbucks early Thursday, officials said.
The grizzly discovery was made on W. 145th Street at Bradhurst Avenue about 5:30 a.m.
A passer-by noticed the red carpet rolled up amid some trash close to the curb next to an AM New York newspaper dispenser box, officials said.
Stepping closer to investigate, the pedestrian saw a pair of feet sticking out of the carpet and called 911.
Investigators determined the man, who was wrapped in plastic inside the roll of carpet, had head injuries, NYPD Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said.
"We're treating it at this point as a homicide investigation," Shea said.
Whoever dumped the body used a Target shopping trolley to roll it over to W. 145th Street, an NYPD source said.
The trolley was found nearby and was being checked for fingerprints.
Detectives had a tentative name and were trying to confirm the victim's identity Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
Starbucks baristas had to close down for the day and stay inside their shop as the investigation continued.
