PONTIAC, Mich. – A 28-year-old from Waterford was issued several charges after making threatening statements toward a Pontiac gas station clerk while pouring gasoline on the shelves, police said.
Noah Syl Johnson was charged with making a threat of terrorism, arson- preparation to burn property, ethnic intimidation and resisting and obstructing a police officer on Saturday, Nov. 23, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
At about 7 p.m. Friday, Johnson allegedly walked into a Pontiac gas station with “a lit cigarette in his mouth, a gas can, and an open book in his hand,” according to surveillance video.
He then made multiple statements to the clerk, including, “Hey man – where your Quran at? Whose side you on? Christian, or Muslim?”
After that, he walked around the gas station and poured gasoline on the shelves throughout the store.
When law enforcement authorities arrived at the gas station, Johnson still had the gas can in hand. He pulled out a large knife and ran away from the responding officers and refused to put the knife down, before being taken into custody.
He was arraigned Sunday, Nov. 24, and given a $50,000 bond.
Officials say Johnson faces up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $20,000 on the threat of terrorism charge.
“This was an extremely dangerous situation for everyone in that store, and threats based on religion or race have a much wider impact on entire communities,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “I want the victims to know that we will never shy away from bringing the most serious charges available. And I applaud the bravery and skill of the deputies who arrested this individual and saved his life at great risk to themselves.”
