Hood River resident killed in theft

Hood River Police Department responded to a report of a person struck by a vehicle near Fifth and June streets at about 3:46 p.m. Arriving, officers found Stephen Hayes, 38, a Hood River resident, laying in the roadway.

The Hood River Fire Department also responded and tried life-saving measures, but Hayes was pronounced deceased soon after.

The investigation found that Hayes confronted suspects stealing property from Hayes’ vehicle.

As the suspects tried to flee the scene, Hayes was mortally injured.

On April 12, William Edward Hardy Jr., 36, and Elizabeth June Bowman, 41, were arrested and lodged on charges of second-degree manslaughter, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, first-degree theft and first-degree robbery.

The case is still under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Erin Mason at the Hood River Police Department, at 541-387-5257 or e.mason@cityofhoodriver.gov.

Mason is still investigating with the help of the major crimes team, made of detectives from Hood River and Wasco County sheriff’s offices, The Dalles police and Oregon State Police.