By: 25 News’ Mike Smith and Gianna Njau
TAZEWELL COUNTY, Ill. (25 News) – A Tazewell County judge has determined a Washington man accused of shooting at police and triggering a home explosion on Mother’s Day is not mentally fit to stand trial.
Judge Chris Doscotch reviewed the case of Scott Benway, 39, on Thursday and found him unfit to proceed, according to 25 News.
Benway faces attempted murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm charges for allegedly firing at officers. He is also charged with residential arson after a court affidavit alleged he shot at a propane tank in the garage of a home in the 900 block of Mallard Way in Washington, igniting an explosion early Mother’s Day morning.
During Thursday’s hearing, Benway requested restricted media coverage, claiming false accusations about him are circulating on social media.
Benway was previously ordered to remain in pretrial detention in late May. He will stay in custody until his next court date on August 31.
The fitness ruling means Benway must continue undergoing evaluation before the case can move forward toward trial.
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