​ SHERIFF & FIRE Shooting Response 

A V Night Club  

    

​

​The A V Nightclub was the scene of a homicide after midnight Tuesday April 12, 2016. PHOTO COURTESY OF Big Bear Lake NewsRoom


By E T Russell   

Early Tuesday morning at 1:19 A.M. the scanner reported an incident at the A V Club, located in the Village of Big Bear Lake.  Big Bear Fire Responders/Paramedics responded to a Medical Alert at the Pine Knot Avenue address, as well as Big Bear Sheriff and Sheriff Deputies.

We understand that a man at the A V Nightclub was shot and transported to a local hospital, where he died. Employees and customers were detained at the scene by deputies and homicide officers. A murder investigation is currently under-way. More details of the fatal incident will be reported when San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner and authorities release the information.

* * *

Original Summary:  
After 1:00 A.M., the A V Nightclub Bartender flagged down a Sheriff Deputy who was on routine patrol, to report a person had been shot in the rear parking lot of the bar. Paramedics and Medical Responders from the Big Bear Lake Fire Department, arrived and transported the shooting victim, a male to Bear Valley Community Hospital, where he died. Later, the deceased was identified as James Clark, 42 years old and a resident of Big Bear City.  The San Bernardino County Sheriff/Coroner will determine the cause of death. 

 

UPDATE: Tuesday 7:30 P.M. 
San Bernardino County Sheriff - Big Bear Homicide Detail Investigators and Detectives worked throughout Tuesday, conducting interviews and collecting evidence related to the homicide investigation.

The Officers determined that the deceased James Clark and Frank Popovich were acquaintances and were involved in a fight outside the AV Nightclub resulting in Popovich shooting Clark. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation. 

James Clark was known around the Village for his wood-carvings. 

Frank Popovich is the owner of the Blackhawk Trading Post located in the Village of Big Bear Lake. Popovich was taken into custody without incident and booked for Murder, at West Valley Detention Center. 
Anyone with more information is asked to call the Homicide Detail, Detective Jon Cahow at (909)387-3589 or the Big Bear Sheriff at (909)866-0100. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.