INFORMANT FLEES WITH DTF FUNDS; SEARCH ON

The First Judicial District Drug Task Force is searching for a former
confidential informant who absconded with $4,000 in DTF money and $11,100
worth of electronic equipment on Tuesday.

A warrant has been issued charging David Clark, 25, 2245 Elizabethton
Highway, with theft over $10,000.

Clark was being employed by the DTF on Tuesday to arrange a controlled
narcotics purchase. He met with DTF agents and was given surveillance
equipment and $4,000 in marked DTF currency.

After the transfer of equipment and money the agents followed Clark in two
cars as he drove toward the suspected drug dealer's residence.

Clark was followed until a slow-moving vehicle pulled onto the highway in
front of the agents' car.

DTF Director Kenneth Phillips said that when Clark saw the agents were
behind the slow car, he sped away. The agents soon lost sight of Clark's
vehicle.

They also soon lost a signal on Clark's electronic equipment as he either
disconnected it or threw it away.

A search was conducted on Tuesday night, but Clark was not located.

Agents were more fortunate on Wednesday. They recovered Clark's car at
lunchtime, along with most of the electronic equipment.

"We still have one piece of equipment that is missing," Phillips said.

Phillips said that during many of the DTF operations, there is a vehicle in
front of the informant's car and another one tailing.

He said that in Tuesday's operations there were two cars on the tail and
none in front.

Phillips said that anyone with information on Clark should call the DTF at
928-1073 or 791-3101. All information will be treated confidentially.
(Contact John Thompson at jthompson@johnsoncitypress.com).