A 20-year-old Kitchener man has been identified as the victim of a fatal shooting that happened just after 2 a.m. Tuesday.

Waterloo regional police say Irshad Sabriye was found dead by officers after police responded to gunshots in the area of Courtland Avenue and Highway 7/8.

Police believe the shooting is connected to a nearby car fire that happened less than two hours later.

At around 4 a.m., officers responded to a vehicle fire on Connaught Street. When they arrived on-scene, police say they found a black, four-door 2019 Nissan Sentra "fully engulfed in flames."

There will be an ongoing police presence in the area as officers continue to canvas people nearby. A command centre has been set up at Vanier Drive in Kitchener, police say.

The eastbound on-and-off ramps at Courtland Avenue are expected to remain closed for most of the day.

Because Sabriye's death was on the highway, it was initially OPP jurisdiction. Waterloo regional police say the two forces are continuing to work closely together.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers or police.