Monday, November 25, 2024

PONTIAC, Mich. – On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Noah Syl Johnson, a 28-year-old resident of Waterford, with Making a Threat of Terrorism, Arson – Preparation to Burn Property, Ethnic Intimidation, and Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer.

These charges are in connection with an incident that occurred on November 22, 2024, at a gas station in Pontiac. At approximately 7:00 pm, store video shows the defendant entering the gas station with a lit cigarette in his mouth, a gas can, and an open book in his hand. The defendant made multiple statements to the clerk “Hey man – where your Quran at? Whose side you on? Christian, or Muslim?” The defendant then proceeded to pour gasoline on products and shelves throughout the store. Law enforcement located the defendant walking in the area with the gas can still in hand. The defendant brandished a large kitchen knife and ran from officers, refusing to put the knife down before he was ultimately taken into custody.

“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. 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,” stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.

The defendant was arraigned on November 24, 2024. The Court set bond at $50,000.

Threat of Terrorism is a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $20,000. Arson – Preparation to Burn Property is a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000. Ethnic Intimidation is a felony punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $5,000. Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer is a felony punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $2,000.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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CONTACT: ocpomedia@oakgov.com