Niagara Regional Police say the man who was found dead in Pelham likely died interrupting an attempted theft at his home.
Police say they believe Earl Clapp, 74, discovered at least one person trying to steal a trailer from his property shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Friday.
They say he was struck and dragged by a vehicle as the person tried to flee north on Centre St., then west on Highway 20.
Clapp was found near Cream St.
Detectives are asked anyone with information or video of the area to contact them.