TAZEWELL COUNTY, Ill. (25 News) – A Washington man will undergo an exam to determine if he is fit to stand trial for allegedly firing gunshots at police and causing an explosion early Mother’s Day morning.
Tazewell County Judge Chris Doscotch signed the order Friday for a psychologist to evaluate Scott Benway and offer an opinion on whether Benway is mentally fit for trial.
Benway, 39, is charged with attempted murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm for allegedly firing a gun at police. He is also charged with residential arson, with a court affidavit alleging Benway fired shots at a propane tank in the garage, igniting the explosion in the 900 block of Mallard Way in Washington.
The affidavit said Benway made a 911 call at 12:31 a.m. on May 10 about secret societies, cartels, meth labs, and broader community corruption. He also reported about a possible dead body or someone cooking meth, according to the affidavit.
Police conducted a welfare check, then four hours later, authorities returned to the scene after reports of gunfire coming from the home.
The affidavit alleged Benway fired multiple rounds at Washington and East Peoria officers, forcing one officer to return fire.
“Police contacted Benway by phone, and he told police the situation would ‘end poorly’ before hanging up the phone,” the affidavit said.
About 5:43 a.m., a large explosion occurred, causing an estimated $800,000 in damage to the entire four-unit building. Benway suffered a broken ankle, according to authorities.
The judge’s order said Benway may refuse to cooperate with the examination, but his refusal can be used as evidence in determining his fitness to stand trial.
A hearing before Judge Doscotch is scheduled for June 4.
(Reporting by Howard Packowitz, 25 News)
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