Bettendorf man accused of burning part of new recreational field with Molotov cocktail

BETTENDORF, Iowa (KWQC) - Days before a scheduled ribbon-cutting for a multi-court recreational field, a Bettendorf man is accused of trying to burn it with a Molotov cocktail.

Trenton N. Runge, 29, is charged with:

• Felony use/possession of explosive material/destructive device
• Third-degree arson, an aggravated misdemeanor
• Third-degree criminal mischief, an aggravated misdemeanor

Runge and another person went into Kiwanis Park around 12:45 a.m. Saturday, according to court documents.

Police said Runge lit a Molotov cocktail and tried to destroy it on the city’s new multi-court field by throwing it onto the ground. This didn’t work, and Runge destroyed the Molotov cocktail, which lit the grass on fire and burn parts of the field.

Later in the night, police said four people went into the park and Runge spray painted his initials and “anarchy” on the back board of the basketball court hoop, the park signs and park shelter walls causing an estimated $1,000 in damages.

Officials also said a second incendiary device was thrown at the park near the tennis courts, burning the grass and shattering glass on the pavement and grass.

Runge was identified as the primary offender and police said he admitted to spray-painting the park but denied being involved in the fires.

During a search of his home, police found a bottle with a little chemical liquid inside, a rag/washcloth hidden in the ceiling tiles, and two used cans of red spray-paint.

Police also found a gram of marijuana and marijuana pipes, which they said he admitted to owning.

Runge bonded out of the Scott County Jail on Saturday afternoon.

City of Bettendorf officials said the damage has been cleaned up and the ribbon-cutting will go on as planned at 4 p.m. Thursday.