Public Works Department employees found the remains shortly before 2 p.m. while doing right of way and beautification work in the area, Chief Chuck Hasty said.
The remains were found above ground and have been confirmed to be human.
Hasty said there have been no missing person reports filed from that specific area.
Without confirmation of the identity from the medical examiner, Hasty would not speculate on whether the remains are those of active missing person cases reported to the police department.
The East Carolina University School of Anthropology was on its way to assist investigators as requested by the medical examiner’s office, Hasty said.
He said the school will help process the scene and has special equipment for that purpose.
Hasty said clothing remnants were found.
