On SAT 07/17/10 at approximately 9:30PM, Rock Island County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from IDNR Conservation Police for a fight on Kay Island.  I responded to Empire Park Boat Ramp in East Moline and launched my issued jon boat.  While launching I was also informed by ISP D7 Communications of a capsized watercraft in the same area.  A Rock Island County Deputy and I went to the area of Kay Island, but there were no watercrafts or persons on the island.  East Moline Fire Dept and Hampton Fire Dept located the capsized vessel.  3 of 4 passengers were rescued and transported to the Empire Park Boat Ramp.  A female passenger from the capsized boat swam to shore and was located by ISP Trooper on Campbell's Island.  She was also returned to Empire Park Boat Ramp.  It was determined the fight had occurred on the watercraft which had capsized.    

I interviewed all persons aboard and the following occurred.  The two subjects had a physical altercation on Kay Island.  Three people attempted to leave the island but the physical altercation continued. One person tried to get into the boat and the fighting lead to the capsizing of the watercraft with all 4 passengers forced into the water.  subject1 put on a PFD and swam to Campbell's Island. The other three were rescued from the water by a passerby and later released to fire department officials.  Operator drank less than 6 Coors Light beers and had 1 shot of Bicardi Rum prior to eating 3 hotdogs at approximately 5:30PM.  At 10:43PM the operator completed the Boating Field Sobriety Tests, in which there were no signs of intoxication.    

The fourth occupant was highly intoxicated and sustained a laceration to his forehead.  It was unknown if this occurred from the altercation or from the boat capsizing.  While being evaluated by EMS, this occupant had to be restrained by EMS personnel.  He was then transported by ambulance to Illini hospital for treatment where he received 6 stitches to his forehead.  

The operator stated he did not wish to press charges against the fourth occupant for battery.  No other injuries were reported at the time of the accident.
  
No further information at this time.
East Moline                   