UPDATE: April 12, 2016 7:30 p.m.
SUSPECT: Frank Popovich, 53 years old, resident of Big Bear
VICTIM: James Clark, 42 years old, resident of Big Bear
Investigators have been working throughout the day conducting interviews and collecting evidence related to the homicide investigation. They have determined that Clark and Popovich were acquaintances and were involved in a fight outside the AV Nightclub, and during the fight, Popovich shot Clark. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.
Frank Popovich was taken into custody without incident and booked at West Valley Detention Center for Murder.
Big Bear Lake, CA, April 12, 2016 – At approximately 1:15 am this morning, deputies from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station were called regarding a man down outside the AV Nightclub on Pine Knot Avenue in Big Bear Lake. When they arrived they found the man in the back parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. The unidentified victim was transported to Bear Valley Community Hospital where he later died.
Patrons and employees were kept inside the club while homicide detectives worked to determine what triggered the fatal incident. The investigation is ongoing, however the initial report from the scene is that an argument began inside the club and then moved outside where the shooting took place. Additional information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.
