Deputy David R. Clark

Onondaga County Sheriff's

Date of Death: February 11, 1987

Custody Deputy David Clark was fatally shot by inmate William “Billy” Blake during a failed escape attempt at the Dewitt Town Hall. Deputy Bernard Meleski was also seriously wounded. Deputy Clark was the first Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy on record to lose his life in the line of duty. At approximately 9:00 PM on February 10, 1987, Deputies Clark and Meleski were escorting three jointly handcuffed prisoners from the jail to Dewitt Town Court for resentencing. As the detail entered the courtroom entranceway, inmate William Blake Jr., 23, used his free hand to seize Deputy Meleski’s holstered service revolver. Blake opened fire, seriously wounding Deputy Meleski and mortally wounding Deputy Clark. Blake attempted to shoot his way free from his handcuffs before fleeing to the courthouse parking lot, where he was apprehended by Sheriff’s Deputies. Deputy Clark succumbed to his injuries approximately three hours later, on February 11.