ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Gray News) – A man detained at a police department in Alaska died after a fire broke out inside a holding cell.
Early Friday morning, Alaska State Troopers were notified of a fire at the Mountain Village Police Department.
Officials say two adult males were being detained by the village police department at the time of the fire. One of the men was safely evacuated, and the second man was located inside the cell deceased.
The deceased man was identified as 39-year-old Lawrence Chiklak.
A village police officer was also treated for minor injuries following the fire.
The Alaska State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. A preliminary investigation determined that the fire originated in one of the occupied holding cells and was likely started with a lighter by one of the two men detained. It is not immediately clear if the deceased man is responsible for the fire.
Officials say both men were detained for Title 47 holds.
The fire caused significant damage to approximately two-thirds of the building.
An investigation is ongoing.
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