The man accused of burning down an auto parts store in Kahoka said he was a former employee of the store, according to court documents obtained by WGEM-TV in Quincy.
Firefighters were called to Ott’s Auto Supply early Tuesday morning, and the building was fully engulfed when they arrived. Dominic Egley, 27, of Kahoka, was later arrested on charges of second-degree burglary, second-degree arson and felony stealing.
The probable cause statement filed in the case states a witness told police he saw the side door of the building was open when he pulled up by the alley.
Another person told police she heard two male voices talking in the alley next to her home. The document states at 9:42 a.m., a police officer found things from the store east of the business in the alley.
A woman also told police Egley told her “I used to work there and I know how to get in” as drove by the auto parts store. When she asked him if he caused the fire, she stated he told her “not to worry about it” and “there is no evidence.”
The document states Egley has a prior criminal history. In 2008, he was charged with receiving stolen property under $500, and in 2009, he was charged with theft between $500 and $25,000, theft under $500 and second-degree burglary. He was found guilty of the burglary charge and was sentenced to 15 days confinement and five years of probation.
Kahoka Police Chief Bill Conger said Thursday he didn’t think Egley acted alone.
“It’s an active investigation,” Conger said. “I believe at least one more person was involved.”
Conger said more tools from the auto parts store were found Thursday.
Egley was in court Thursday afternoon where a request for bond reduction was denied. He’s scheduled back in court July 30.
