An Ekwok safety officer was assaulted doing the job alone

A village public safety officer in Ekwok was assaulted at the community clinic Wednesday while following up on a case — the kind of risk that comes with being the lone law enforcement in a remote Alaska village.

Troopers say the officer caught up with 20-year-old BillyBoy Hurley as he tried to leave the clinic, and Hurley assaulted him. The VPSO wrestled him into custody, and troopers responded afterward. Hurley was flown to jail in Dillingham and faces assault charges.

The charges are accusations, and Hurley is presumed innocent.