A Waterford Township man is facing multiple charges in connection with a confrontation at a gas station in Pontiac where he allegedly asked the clerk about his religious affiliation, poured gasoline inside the store and later drew a knife on law enforcement before he was arrested.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has charged Noah Syl Johnson, 28, with threat of terrorism, arson — preparation to burn property, ethnic intimidation and resisting/obstructing a police officer for the alleged Nov. 22 incident.
McDonald cited security video that reportedly shows Johnson entering the gas station store at around 7 p.m. last Friday with a lit cigarette in his mouth, a gas can and an open book. As stated in a news release: “The defendant made multiple statements to the clerk ‘Hey man – where your Quran at? Whose side you on? Christian, or Muslim?’ ” Johnson then “proceeded to pour gasoline on products and shelves throughout the store,” the news release states.
The prosecutor’s office told The Oakland Press on Monday that for now it isn’t disclosing any additional information on the gas station’s location. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened at the Sunoco at 1085 Joslyn Avenue.
Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies caught up with Johnson as he walked in the area holding the gas can, according to McDonald. He then “brandished a large kitchen knife and ran from officers, refusing to put the knife down before he was ultimately taken into custody,” the news release stated.
“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,” McDonald said in the news release.
At his arraignment on Nov. 24, Johnson’s bond was set at $50,000. As of Monday morning, he was still listed on the Oakland County Jail roster. His next court date is pending.
Threat of terrorism is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $20,000. The arson charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000, and ethnic intimidation is punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $5,000. Resisting/obstructing a police officer carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and/or a fine up to $2,000.
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