Utica Police are investigating a body with a gunshot wound to the chest discovered on the city’s north side Wednesday night.

Authorities said a man’s body was found lying on a front lawn of 725 Mapledale Avenue at about 9:15 p.m. Wednesday. The body was found by a person walking a dog. Mapledale Avenue is located in a residential neighborhood north of the Thruway.

Authorities said a handgun was found on the ground next to the body.

Police are investigating whether the death was self-inflicted or a homicide.

The identity of the victim has not been released.