EAST MOLINE, Ill. — A suspect has been charged with attempted murder after East Moline Police say he assaulted and seriously injured an East Moline police sergeant on Monday night.
Rock Island Arson Incident
On Tuesday morning, the Rock Island Police Department announced that 52-year-old Adrian W. Rogers is the suspect in an arson that damaged a home in the 1600 block of 12th street on Monday afternoon.
Rock Island Fire and police responded to the house around 3:40 p.m. The home sustained significant fire damage.
The lone occupant of the home evacuated safely.
Police say that Rogers entered the home and set fire to it before fleeing the scene.
Morton Drive Incident
Around 6:30 p.m., East Moline Police Sergeant William Lind identified Rogers walking in the 1900 block of Morton Drive in East Moline, and made contact with him.
Shortly after making contact, police say body camera footage shows, Rogers physically attacking Lind and then fleeing the scene on foot.
Arriving officers found Sergeant Lind unconscious with injuries to the head. He was transported to a local hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was transported to a hospital outside of the Quad Cities area for further treatment.
Sergeant Lind is in critical condition and his injuries have been deemed life-threatening. According to court documents released by Rock Island County State's Attorney Dora Villarreal, "Rogers...with the intent to kill East Moline Police officer William Lind, without lawful justification knowingly struck Officer Lind in the head, causing severe head trauma and skull fractures, and left Officer Lind unconscious on the street without aid."
Apprehended in Colona
After the assault, law enforcement officials from multiple Quad City area agencies began searching for Rogers.
Around 10:50 p.m., Rogers was taken into custody by the Colona Police Department. He was initially held at the Henry County Jail before being transferred to the Rock Island County Jail.
The Rock Island County State's Attorney's office has approved multiple charges for Rogers. The charges include attempted murder, aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated arson, and residential arson. Rogers' bond has been set at one million dollars.
The investigation into this incident will continue and anyone with information is urged to contact the East Moline Police Department at 309-752-1555, Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at 309-762-9500, or use the "P3 Tips" mobile app. You can remain anonymous.
Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood issued the following statement on Sergeant Lind, a seven-year veteran, who remains in critical condition due to his injuries:
“Sergeant Lind was just doing his job, trying to keep his community safe by arresting an arson suspect, when the encounter turned violent and left the 34-year-old officer clinging to life. William did what he has done his entire career, running toward danger so his fellow citizens could feel safe in their homes. Now, William’s wife and children wonder if they will ever see their husband and father alive in their own home again. We ask that all the citizens of East Moline give William and his family the prayers and support they need to get through these terrible times, and to promise anew that violence against police officers will never be tolerated in our society.”
Andy Boswell, a probation officer for the Rock Island County Court Services, knew Sergeant Lind from college at Western Illinois University of the Quad Cities and remembers him as a great guy.
"He was always respectful and treating people. Well, you could just tell he cares about people, he is who we want as a police officer in this community."
How you can help Sgt. Lind's family through donations
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 96 has launched a Venmo account to collect donations to help support Sgt. Lind and his family, according to an EMPD Facebook post.
All the proceeds will go to covering expenses for his family, including travel, food, hotels and more for the duration of his hospitalization.
To make a Venmo donation, click/tap here. Donations are also being accepted ad the East Moline Police Department building.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel