Full Notification

DATE/TIME: April 12, 2016/ 1:13 a.m.

INCIDENT: Homicide Investigation

LOCATION: AV Nightclub, 664 Pine Knot Ave., Big Bear Lake

SUSPECT: Frank Popovich, 53 years old, resident of Big Bear

VICTIM: James Clark, 42 years old, resident of Big Bear (deceased)

UPDATE: April 12, 2016 7:30 p.m.
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.

Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 1:13 a.m. a Big Bear Lake Sheriff's Deputy was driving behing the AV Nightclub on routine patrol when the bartender flagged him down to report a person had been shot in the rear parking lot of the bar. Medical personal from the Big Bear Lake Fire Department arrived and transported the victim to Bear Valley Community Hospital where he died. The victim was taken to the San Bernardino County morgue, where an autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death.

The Sheriff's Department Homicide Detail and detectives from the Big Bear Station are working together to determine what occurred. The name of the victim is being withheld at this time until his family has been notified.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Detail, Detective Jon Cahow at (909)387-3589 or the Big Bear Station at (909)866-0100. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Refer: Sergeant John Gaffney or Detective Jon Cahow

Station: Sheriff's Homicide Detail

Phone No. (909) 387-3589

Case No. H2016-030 DR#161600363

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department