Accused arsonist identified as man who died after suffering medical episode while in jail

Patrick Aune (Walsh County Jail)

GRAFTON, N.D. (KFGO) – A man who died in the Walsh County Jail in northeastern North Dakota was in jail on charges related to a series of intentionally set fires in Park River.

Sheriff Ron Jurgens says jail personnel and deputies found Patrick Aune, 39, suffering from what appeared to be a medical emergency Sunday morning. They attempted life-saving efforts. Paramedics then responded to the jail, but Aune died.

Aune was arrested last Saturday after deputies were called to a mobile home fire. They then responded to another location for a natural gas line fire. The mobile home fire was set inside the home with gasoline. A gas line had been cut. The investigation revealed that gas lines were also cut at three other locations in Park River.

Aune was arrested on charges of arson and criminal mischief. The state Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are investigating the death.