Oregon Man Dies Trying to Stop Thieves from Stealing His Bicycle

Thirty-eight-year-old Stephen Hayes of Hood River died while trying to stop thieves from stealing his bicycle. Three people now face murder charges for the incident that occurred on 11 April.

He was Driven Over as He Clung to the Side of a Stolen Truck

Hayes clung onto the side of a truck. At the same time, the driver, Johnathan Matthews (31), started to drive away from the scene, dragging Hayes along the ground and then moving over him, according to court documents.

The three people who were indicted by a Hood River grand jury are Matthews, William Hardy Jr. (36), and Elizabeth Bowman (41).

They are facing one count of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree robbery, one count of first-degree theft, and one count of using an unauthorized vehicle.

Matthews is also facing charges of first-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, and reckless endangerment.

According to investigators, earlier that day, Matthews stole a Ford F-150 truck from a sanitation company in The Dalles. He then picked up Hardy and Bowman before driving to Hood River, where he tried to steal a bike belonging to Hayes.

The three suspects then drove to Port Canyon, where they allegedly disguised the sanitation company logos on the truck and repainted the bike.

Hardy and Bowman were arrested the following day, and Matthews on 15 April.