The Lawrence Police are investigating the unattended death of a man found at an apartment complex this morning.

Managers of the Meadowbrook Apartments, UU Brittany Place, called police to check on the welfare of a resident who had not been seen for days and had not paid his rent for the month of June.

“Managers said the tenant had always paid his rent in the past,” said Lawrence Police Capt. Dave Cobb.

Police arrived at the scene at 8:04 a.m. and entered the apartment with the assistance of a complex employee. They found the body of a man and a hand-made sign that said hazardous chemicals may be present, Cobb said.

The sign prompted police to call the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical Hazardous Materials Unit and evacuate the building.

About 10 people were waiting in the parking lot as emergency crews did their work. Some residents said officials took their names, phone numbers and photos.

Lee Vance, a woman who lives in the building said was wakened by emergency officials.

“I woke up at 830 to pounding on my door and when I answered there were lots of people in uniform. I thought there was a fire,” she said.

Emergency workers told Vance there was a potential chemical spill and that she needed to leave the building immediately. Residents were allowed back into the building by about 11:30 a.m.

Cobb said no chemicals were found on the scene. An unattended death investigation is underway. But there was no indication of foul play, Cobb said.

“An autopsy is planned to determine the cause of death and to identify the body,” he said.