Fire at Alaska Police Department Kills Man in Custody

A fire at the Mountain Village Police Department in southwest Alaska resulted in the death of 39-year-old Lawrence Chiklak, who was being detained at the time. The Alaska State Troopers reported that the fire broke out early Friday morning, and while one of the two detained men was safely evacuated, Chiklak was found dead in an occupied holding cell. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was likely started with a lighter by one of the men. A village police officer sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. The Alaska State Fire Marshal’s office is conducting an investigation into the fire's cause. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details, including the circumstances surrounding the detentions or whether foul play is suspected.