Details of Reason Behind Johnson City Police Officer’s Death Still Pending

Authorities have not released any further information about what caused a sudden change in the behavior and personality of a medical technician Monday morning that led to the fatal shooting of a Johnson City Police officer and a gun-battle with another officer that left the technician dead.

Officials said James Clark of Greene, an MRI technician at Southern Tier Imaging, across from Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center, had behaved normally before leaving his home for the medical office building in Johnson City, but was agitated when he got to work, yelling at co-workers and indicating there were explosives in the building.  That prompted workers to call police, bringing veteran police officer, David W. Smith to the scene.

Police say Clark attacked the officer as he was exiting his patrol car, obtained Smith’s service revolver and shot the officer twice before another officer arriving on the scene fatally shot Clark in a gun battle.

The funeral for Officer Smith April 4^th drew law enforcement officers from all over the northeast.

Hundreds filled the sanctuary of the Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in the Village, with some over-flow mourners watching a live stream of the service in the church gymnasium.

Hundreds of other law enforcement officers and others stood attentively outside in the cold and strong winds for about two hours as the service progressed.

Smith's uncle, John McConegly, gave the eulogy.  He said all Smith wanted in life was to be a law enforcement officer.

The 43-year-old Smith is survived by his wife, Christian, and 11 year old son, Andrew.  

He was laid to rest at Chenango Valley Cemetery in Hillcrest.