The Rock Island Police Department has one person in custody in connection with the Rock Island Livestock Auction Barn fire on February 24, 2024, that destroyed multiple buildings and caused the death of one bull on the property. The Rock Island Fire Department, along with multiple area fire departments, responded to the large structure fire around 5:30 PM. The Rock Island Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Rock Island Fire Marshal’s Office conducted an arson investigation and identified three suspects.
On March 3, 2024, arrest warrants were issued for Matthew E. Wooddell, 21, William T. Kosgard IV, 22, and Kadon J. Svec, 18, for the charges of Arson (Class 2 Felony), Felony Criminal Damage to Property (Class 2 Felony), and Animal Torture (Class 3 Felony).
Around 1:53 AM on March 5th, Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office deputies apprehended Matthew Wooddell in the 500 block of 15th Avenue in East Moline on his arrest warrant. He remains in the Rock Island County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing on March 6th at 1:30 PM. A Preliminary Hearing is scheduled for March 19th at 10:30 AM. The Rock Island State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a petition to deny pretrial release.
William Kosgard and Kadon Svec currently remain at large. Kosgard is described as a white male, 5’ 08” in height, weighing 190 lbs. Svec is described as a white male, 6’ 04” in height, weighing 194 lbs.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kosgard or Svec is encouraged to contact the Rock Island Police Department at 309-732-COPS(2677) or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at 309-762-9500/P3tips.com.
