Man charged with driving through Woodfield Mall pleads not guilty to terrorism charges

A Palatine man facing terrorism charges after allegedly driving an SUV through Woodfield Mall pleaded not guilty Thursday, and was ordered to have a mental health exam.

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Javier Garcia, 23, entered a not guilty plea to Cook County Judge Joseph Cataldo at an arraignment in Rolling Meadows, according to court records.

Garcia was charged last month with two counts of terrorism and a count of criminal damage to property.

On Sept. 20, he allegedly crashed a black SUV into the mall through an entrance near Sears and Rainforest Cafe, police said. The SUV proceeded to speed through the mall, crashing into displays.

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Garcia was stopped by shoppers before officers arrived and arrested him, police said.

He is due again in court on Dec. 16.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire - Copyright Chicago Sun-Times 2019.)

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