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Streator arson suspect to undergo mental health exam

Amanda R. Wood

A Streator woman charged with arson, and while she wore an ankle monitor, will undergo a mental health evaluation.

Amanda R. Wood, 54, appeared Wednesday in La Salle County Circuit Court for a scheduled motions hearing. She is awaiting trial on four felony charges led by aggravated arson, a Class 2 felony carrying three to seven years in prison, for allegedly setting fire to a residence in the 1000 block of East LaRue Street. Damage was not significant.

Public Defender Ryan Hamer disclosed in open court that he wants Wood to undergo a mental health evaluation, although he said there is no bona fide doubt about Wood’s fitness.

La Salle County Circuit Judge Michelle A. Vescogni agreed and scheduled a July 31 status hearing, by which time attorneys in the case should know whether the case can move forward.

Wood was charged May 19 after Streator police found a portion of the home’s siding and a basement door on fire. The fire was quickly extinguished.

Minutes earlier, Wood had allegedly entered the residence and confronted the homeowner, growing loud and throwing objects about, according to open-court statements. That was in defiance of court orders, as she’d been barred from entering the residence and placed on GPS monitoring.

Tom Collins

Tom Collins

Tom Collins covers criminal justice in La Salle County.