Local man who chased burglary suspects on ATV dies from injuries

Authorities: Suspects could be charged with homicide by D.A.

By KRIS REILLY, Editor

LUCERNE VALLEY • A local man who broke his neck chasing burglary suspects on his all-terrain vehicle died last Saturday, and authorities said the suspects could be charged with homicide if they’re apprehended.

John Douglas Hoard, 68, saw two unknown suspects allegedly attempting to rob his neighbor on April 3 on Highway 18 in the area of Lincoln Avenue.

Hoard’s wife, Kathleen Hoard, said her husband was keeping an eye on his neighbor’s property, as it had been burglarized several times in the past.

“He saw them and got on the ATV and went after them,” Kathleen Hoard said.

John Hoard crashed the ATV in the desert, and the suspects escaped. Hoard suffered a broken neck and was airlifted to a trauma center.

Hoard was in rehab at Loma Linda Medical Center when doctors discovered that he had an epidural hematoma, a type of traumatic brain injury. Hoard suffered brain death and was placed on full life support April 18, Kathleen Hoard said. She said his son and daughter made the decision to take him off life support last Saturday.

According to his wife, Hoard leaves behind three children, four stepchildren, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Sgt. Steve Harbottle of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said Monday that there’s a possibility the suspects could be charged with homicide if they’re caught, but the decision would be up to the District Attorney.

Harbottle said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this or any other crime can call the Victor Valley Station at (760) 552-6800 or the anonymous WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME.