Man injured chasing burglary suspects (4-6-11)

FROM STAFF REPORTS

LUCERNE VALLEY • A local man was airlifted to a trauma center Sunday after chasing suspected burglars on an all-terrain vehicle and crashing the desert, authorities said.

John Douglas Hoard, 68, of Lucerne Valley, reportedly saw the suspects attempting to rob a neighbor’s property in the area of Highway 18 and Lincoln Avenue shortly after 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Hoard lost control of the vehicle and crashed in the desert about 1,500 feet north of Highway 18, California Highway Patrol officials said.

Hoard was airlifted by Mercy Air to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs with possible neck and head injuries. As the Leader went to press Monday afternoon, the extent of the injuries was unknown. Information on the suspects was unavailable.