Psychiatric evaluation ordered for impersonator

MUSKOGEE, Okla. -- A federal judge on Monday granted a request that a Missouri man accused of impersonating a military officer at a deadly bridge collapse undergo a psychiatric evaluation to see if he is mentally competent to stand trial.

The attorney for William James Clark, 36, and federal prosecutors both want to determine Clark's mental state the day he allegedly pretended to be a military officer when the Interstate 40 bridge collapsed into the Arkansas River near Webbers Falls.

A federal grand jury indicted Clark, of Tallapoosa, Mo., on charges of impersonating a federal officer and of possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction.

On May 26, a barge struck a bridge pier, causing a 580-foot section to fall. Ten vehicles plunged into the water, killing 14 people.

According to a court affidavit, Clark arrived at the disaster scene within hours of the collapse and allegedly claimed he was a captain in the U.S. Army and was "in charge" of the disaster scene.

Clark also allegedly looked through the papers and medical records taken from vehicle of one victim, Andrew Clements, 35, the affidavit stated. Clark told recovery workers that he knew the Woodbridge, Va., resident and his family, the affidavit stated.

Army officials say Clark has never been a soldier.

He has a history of legal troubles and relatives have said he pretends that he is in the military.

Authorities arrested him last month in Canada driving a truck that had been reported stolen.

U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling said Clark will soon be taken from Muskogee to a federal prison to be evaluated. The evaluation could take eight to 10 weeks.