At approximately 3:30 am Thursday morning, the Ambler Village Police Officer notified the Kotzebue Troopers that they had arrested William Greist Jr for firing a high-powered rifle at the VPO.

The VPO arrested Greist and jailed him in the City Jail in Ambler. He was facing charges of Attempted Homicide of a Village Police Officer, weapons offenses and several counts of Assault.

While in custody at the City Jail, Greist was discovered dead in his cell by the VPO.

Greist’s remains were sent to the State Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy.

Next of kin was on scene and so notified of Greist’s death.