Kankakee police said a homicide at a Kankakee apartment on the city’s east side Sunday occurred during an attempted forced entry.

In a Tuesday news release, Kankakee police said the victim – 35-year-old Travis L. Hayes of Kankakee – and an accomplice tried to force their way into the apartment of a 47-year-old man.

Hayes reportedly had a shotgun, police said. Hayes and the man reportedly fought over the shotgun. During the struggle, the man discharged the shotgun, striking Hayes, according to the release.

The man and Hayes’ accomplice were both at the scene when officers arrived about 5:50 p.m. Sunday. They were responding to a call reporting shots fired in the 1200 block of East Oak Street, according to the release.

Officers were informed that a male shooting victim was lying near an apartment where the attempted forced entry had occurred, according to the release.

Officers found Hayes and started rendering aid until emegency medical services with the Kankakee Fire Department arrived and took Hayes to a local hospital, where he later was pronounced dead, according to the release.

The man who discharged the shotgun has cooperated with investigators and provided a statement. He directed officers to the shotgun involved in the incident, according to the release.

The incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. The firearm involved will be submitted for tracing through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, according to the release.

Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office for final review.

“This was a very tragic incident. Our thoughts remain with all those affected, and we are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation,” Kankakee Police Chief Chris Kidwell said in the release.

This is the fifth homicide in the city of Kankakee this year.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is encouraged to call the Kankakee Police Department at 815-933-0426.