Michigan man charged with ethnic intimidation after threatening gas station clerk, prosecutor says

(CBS DETROIT)For allegedly intimidating a Pontiac gas station clerk, a 28-year-old man from Waterford Township is being charged with a number of offenses, including ethnic intimidation.

Noah Syl Johnson is accused of threatening terrorism, preparing to set fire to property, intimidating people based on their ethnicity, and obstructing and resisting a police officer.

The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office claims that at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, Johnson entered the gas station with a book, a gas can, and a lit cigarette in his mouth. It is alleged that Johnson said to the clerk, “Hey guy, where’s your Quran? Which side are you on? “Muslim or Christian?”

Before departing, Johnson allegedly sprayed gas on merchandise and shelves all over the business. Johnson was later discovered by police carrying the gas can while strolling around the area. According to officials, Johnson drew a big kitchen knife, fled from the cops, and refused to drop the weapon before being taken into custody.

“Everyone in that business was in grave danger, because threats motivated by race or religion affect entire communities much more broadly. We will always file the most serious accusations possible, and I want the victims to know that. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald issued a statement saying, “And I commend the courage and expertise of the deputies who arrested this individual and saved his life at great risk to themselves.”

Johnson was given a $50,000 bond after being arraigned on Sunday.

Johnson could spend up to 20 years in jail and/or be fined $20,000 if found guilty of the threat of terrorism allegation. The maximum penalty for the felony offense of ethnic intimidation is two years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

Joe Buczek works for CBS Detroit as the manager of digital content and promotion. The Leader and the Kalkaskian, the Oakland Press, the Morning Sun, the Grand Traverse Insider, and WWTV were among his prior employers.

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