In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, Citrus County deputies arrested 32-year-old Cotee Alan Clark following a traffic stop that escalated into a foot pursuit and K-9 apprehension. The incident began when Deputies Sayer and Picard conducted a stop on a white Cadillac Escalade for failing to stop at a stop sign.
Deputy Elias and his K-9 partner, Knight, responded to assist. K-9 Knight alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, prompting a search. Deputies located a bag containing a trafficking amount of illegal drugs on the passenger floorboard.
As Deputy Picard attempted to detain Clark, he fled on foot. Deputy Elias deployed K-9 Knight while Deputy Picard pursued Clark. During the struggle, Clark grabbed Deputy Picard’s wrists and attempted to resist arrest, but K-9 Knight engaged Clark from behind, allowing deputies to regain control and take him into custody.
A search of Clark revealed a Glock 42 .380 caliber pistol with six rounds concealed in his waistband. Following medical evaluation, Clark was transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility.
Clark faces the following charges:
- Trafficking in Fentanyl (13.81 grams)
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine (48.20 grams)
- Trafficking in Hydrocodone (5.03 grams)
- Possession of Alprazolam
- Possession of Oxycodone
- Possession of Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
- Possession of Fentanyl
- Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
- Possession of Firearm in Commission of a Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement Officer with Violence
Clark is being held without bond at the Citrus County Detention Facility.