Woman Avoids Prison Time for Explosion at Target in Evanston

EVANSTON, IL - The Chicago woman who was accused of being responsible for an explosion at the Target store on Howard Street over the summer will avoid jail time after pleading guilty to criminal damage to property, a misdemeanor.

Heidi E. Schmidt, 44, will instead serve 18 months on probation, fined $394 and ordered to undergo alcohol and drug counseling, according to an Evanston Review report. Charges of aggravated arson against Schmidt were dropped in return for the plea.

Related: Woman Charged in Evanston Target Restroom Explosion

Authorities have said Schmidt went into the bathroom stall of the Target store near Evanston’s border with Skokie and Chicago on June 8 in an attempt to get high. But while mixing chemicals, an adverse reaction led to a small explosion.

Reports have indicated Schmidt was the lone person in the bathroom at the time and was unharmed.

More via the Evanston Review

photo via Evanston Police Department