Clark’s body was discovered in the parking lot behind the AV Nightclub
BIG BEAR – Homicide investigators tracked down a suspect in Tuesday night’s shooting death of a Big Bear man.
Detectives reported that James Clark, 42, was shot outside a night club in the mountain resort city, claiming that Frank Joseph Popovich, 53, pulled the trigger after the two got into a fight.
They were acquaintances, said the investigators, Sgt. John Gaffney and Det. Jon Cahow.
James Clark
Clark was shot early Tuesday morning. Shortly after 1 a.m., a Big Bear Sheriff’s deputy was driving behind the AV Nightclub on routine patrol. A bartender from the club flagged him down, reporting that Clark had been shot in a parking lot behind the bar.
Medical personnel arrived at the club, located on 664 Pine Knot Ave., transporting Clark to the Bear Valley Community Hospital where he died. The victim was described as a local artist.
Popovich, meanwhile, owns a business, Black Fox Trading Post, which is located in the Big Bear Village area
While the motive for the shooting was not revealed, investigators worked throughout the day conducting interviews, collecting evidence and piecing together information that led to their eventual suspect.
According to reports, the two acquaintances were involved in a fight which led to Popovich apparently shooting Clark.
Business flyer for Popovich
Popovich was located and taken into custody without incident, according to reports.
He was taken to West County Detention Center, booked on murder charges and being held on $1 million bail.
According to jail records, Popovich is scheduled to appear in San Bernardino County Superior Court on April 22.
Authorities said the county coroner will conduct an autopsy.
