Hood River man killed in suspected property theft

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., April 12, 2025 — A Hood River man who confronted a car clout was killed when the alleged thief reportedly hit him with his pickup on Friday, April 11.

Hood River Police Chief Neal Holste says 38-year-old Stephen Hayes was found laying in the roadway in the area of 5th and June streets at around 3:45 p.m., according to a press release.

Efforts to revive Hayes failed after emergency responders attempted life saving procedures. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Upon further investigation, officers found Hayes confronted a person who was stealing property from his vehicle, and was mortally injured while the suspect vehicle attempted to flee the scene, according to the Hood River Police statement. 

That vehicle of the alleged assailant is described as a white truck with an extended cab.  The investigation is on-going, and there were no suspects at this time, of the statement.   Locals are asked to call Hood River Police Detective Erin Mason at (541) 387-5257 if you have information to help bring the perpetrator of the death to justice.