Man accused of driving through mall will face terrorism charge, officials say

A man accused of driving an SUV into a shopping mall near Chicago will face a state terrorism charge.

Police in Schaumburg, Ill., said in a press release the Cook County state’s attorney approved the charge for Javier Garcia, 22.

{mosads}Under Illinois law, a person who has caused more than $100,000 in damage to a property with five or more businesses can be charged with terrorism, the AP noted, adding that Garcia also faces a felony charge of criminal damage to property.

Authorities believe Garcia acted alone, and no motive has been determined, the release said.

An SUV reportedly slammed into Woodfield Mall on Sept. 20, entering a window by the Sears location, knocking down a kiosk and striking a Forever 21 store, The Associated Press reported. Three individuals were transported to the hospital for non-threatening injuries, not relating to the vehicle hitting them.

Police initially said the driver may have been suffering from a medical condition. Garcia has been released from the AMITA Health Behavioral Institute on Friday to police custody, according to the press release.

Garcia is scheduled to appear in court on Sunday.