$150,000 bond set for city driver in cyclist-death case

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The city man charged with the death of a cyclist in early July on the South Side is in the Mahoning County jail with bond set at $150,000.

Justin T. Clark, 19, of West Ravenwood Avenue, appeared Friday before Magistrate Anthony Sertick of Youngstown Municipal Court via video arraignment on charges of fleeing the scene of an accident causing death and driving under suspension.

Shelton Harris, 57, of Sherwood Avenue, died when he was struck by a car police say was driven by Clark along the 100 block of Hudson Avenue on July 6.

Prosecutors asked the magistrate to set bond at $250,000 because Clark has a previous conviction for carrying a weapon in a school zone. Prosecutors also said Clark should be considered a flight risk.

Sertick set bond at $150,000 and granted a state-provided attorney to represent Clark.

Clark was arrested at his home Thursday.

Harris was thrown about 200 feet by the impact of the collision.

Detective Sgt. Patricia Garcar said two people in the car got out and ran after striking Harris, leaving the Oldsmobile they were driving at the accident scene. She said the car had not been reported stolen.

Shortly after the accident, Garcar said police believe the accident did not involve “normal, regular, everyday driving,” and there were other issues involved leading to the accident. She would not say what those other issues might be.

Clark is due back in court Friday.