A pair of officers on bicycle patrol encountered Clark in a park known for drug sales and prostitution. Clark was pushing a bicycle and holding a weapon. Police ordered him to drop it, but instead he aimed and fired at them. Both officers returned fire killing Clark. State Attorney declared shooting justified. Clark had long history of drug abuse and criminal convictions.
Victim's Name: Deacon James Clark
Agency Responsible: Sarasota Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 30
Race: White
Date of Death: January 5, 2014
County: Sarasota
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Justified
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Drug or alcohol use
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Geography: Suburban