Man accused of driving through Woodfield Mall in Illinois charged with terrorism

A Palatine, Illinois man was charged with terrorism, a class X felony Sunday after allegedly driving through Woodfield Mall earlier this month, authorities said.

Schaumburg police said 22-year-old Javier Garcia was charged with terrorism and criminal damage to property.

He appeared in court Sunday where a judge ordered a mandatory no bail for Garcia, stating that mall damages were around $100,000.

“Based on nature of this case I do find you pose a threat to the community,” the judge said.

A search warrant on Garcia’s phone revealed he searched the mall about 124 times and a total of 21 searches came up regarding one of his former teachers, however it remained unclear if that detail was connected to the incident at Woodfield Mall.

Although a motive has yet to be determined, police said they have no reason to believe Garcia was targeting any specific person or store.

A black SUV crashed through an entrance near Sears and Rainforest Cafe on Friday, Sept. 20, and proceeded to wreak havoc throughout the shopping center.

The driver was detained by shoppers before officers arrived to arrest him, police said, and was later taken to AMITA Health Behavioral Medicine Institute. Garcia was released from AMITA on Friday and transferred to the custody of Schaumburg Police, authorities said.

No one was struck by the car, but three people were taken to a hospital for “very minor” injuries, Schaumburg Police Chief Bill Wolf said.

Garcia has had no prior arrests nor a criminal background, however it seems he does suffer from mental illness, according to authorities.

A state terrorism charge carries a 20-life sentence if convicted.

Garcia is expected to return to court on Oct. 1.

Source: NBC Chicago