Portland police officer resigns

A Portland police officer has resigned after being suspended last week.

Portland Police Chief Josh Stephenson reported this morning that officer Joshua Clark has resigned from the department.

Clark’s resignation came six days after he was suspended because a Predator Catchers video on Facebook alleged he messaged, planned to meet and discussed engaging in sexual conduct with an Avon minor. The video was posted on the evening of May 13 and Clark was suspended the same night.

According to comments made in the video, Clark, 36, messaged a 14-year-old “girl” and agreed to meet with her at an Olive Garden restaurant. (He was actually messaging the Predator Catchers team.) He allegedly indicated he was 17 and made sexual comments via text. He also told the team when they confronted him he didn’t believe the “girl” was 14. The team alleged that he asked her to delete the texts stating her age.

“I’m an idiot,” Clark repeated during the video.

No charges have been filed against Clark in Hendricks or Jay counties as of this morning. Avon Police Department has an ongoing investigation into the matter.

Clarks’ badge and weapons have been obtained by the Portland department, according to a press release from Portland Mayor John Boggs. He had been with the department for less than three months.

“Although these incidents can be troubling to the public process and question the integrity of the department, it is important to note that these incidents are rare nationwide and this one incident should not distract the public’s overall opinion of the Portland Police Department,” Boggs said in the release.

A Portland Board of Works special meeting that was scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday to discuss Clark’s employment has been canceled.