Man confronts Hood River car thief, dies

ORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A 38-year-old Hood River man who confronted a thief taking items from his car was killed Friday when the thief sped away in a white truck.

Stephen M. Hays was hit and "mortally injured" when the thief tried to get away after being confronted, the Hood River Police Department said in a release. Hays was found laying in the road near 5th and June Street around 3:45 p.m.

Despite emergency efforts, Hays died at the scene.

The investigation is open and active, authorities said.