Burglary Suspect Dies in Koochiching County Fire

The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office says a burglary suspect is dead after a fire at the Ynot Gas Station. 

Authorities responded to the convenience store at Pelland Junction around 11:30 Wednesday night on reports of a break-in. 

Dispatchers were in contact with the suspect by phone.  The man threatened to shoot any responding officers. 

Police surrounded the building and attempted to safely resolve the incident.  At the same time, the building started to burn. 

Several attempts were made to get the suspect out of the burning building, but he refused. 

Efforts to fight the blaze were hindered due to safety concerns for the firefighters and police. 

Once the fire was extinguished, the body of the suspect was recovered from the building. 

The cause of death and cause of the fire remain under investigation. 

The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office says they are not looking for any other suspects in connection to the incident.  

The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family.