Johnson City Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty

A Johnson City police officer died in the line of duty today, shot as he responded to a disturbance on Harrison Avenue in the village.

Patrolman David Smith, 43,  was an eighteen year veteran of the Johnson City Police Department. He was apparently shot with his own service weapon by James Clarke of Greene, Chenago County.

At today's press conference, Police Chief Joseph Zikuski described officers being dispatched to the scene at 7:03 am and shots being fired at 7:06. Police were sent to Southern Tier Imaging on Harrison after a call came in about an employee behaving in an "incoherent" fashion and talking about a bomb in the building.  When Officer Smith arrived at the scene and attempted to exit his vehicle, he was immediately attacked by Clarke, who managed to get the officer's weapon then shot him. Chief Zikuski said Officer Smith, "did not stand a chance."

A second unnamed officer arrived moments later and engaged with Clarke, shooting him and taking him down. Clarke was transported to the nearby Wilson Memorial Hospital, where he went into surgery, but died at approximately 10:20 am.

Police went to Clarke's home in Greene to serve a search warrant. Clarke had no known history of mental instability. His co-workers are said to be shocked by the turn of events. His family states he was "perfectly normal" when he left for work this morning.

Patrolman David Smith leaves behind a wife and young child.

The case is being treated as a homicide. The investigation continues.

Timeline of today's events.