Drug Task Force captures fugitive in East Wenatchee

EAST WENATCHEE — A dramatic scene unfolded Thursday evening near the Sunset Highway Motor Inn as the Columbia River Drug Task Force (CRDTF) closed in on a fugitive wanted on multiple charges, including a felony warrant for Eluding out of Douglas County and failure to register as a sex offender. He was wanted by the Department of Corrections, which means he was already on probation from previous crimes.

Joshua J. Clark was taken into custody around 7:40 p.m. on April 24 through the combined efforts of the CRDTF, East Wenatchee Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

As detectives were attempting to coax Clark outside to surrender, the fugitive escaped through a motel window, then climbed on the roof of the motel. According to a press release, “he began displaying his displeasure for the police by using profanities and hand gestures.”

At that point, Clark leapt from the roof of the building into the adjacent lot of the Douglas County PUD in an attempt to evade arrest once again. However, the area was secured, and once inside it, Clark found himself unable to exit or make an escape.

In his frenzy to flee, Clark jumped off a retaining wall onto the top of a PUD vehicle, causing extensive damage. He also pulled a knife on his pursuers, believing it would slow them down. Officers remained calm, despite Clark’s threatening behavior, and were able to eventually take him safely into custody without further incident.

No officers or bystanders were harmed during the ordeal. Clark is awaiting further disposition in the Chelan County Regional Justice Center due to his warrants from the Department of Corrections and he faces additional charges of burglary in the second degree and malicious mischief in the second degree.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media