Oakland County Man Threatens Gas Station Clerk, Pulls Knife On Officer: Police

PONTIAC, MI — A 28-year-old man is facing charges after threatening a Pontiac gas station clerk while pouring gasoline on the shelves last Friday, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.

Noah Syl Johnson, from Waterford Township, was charged with making a threat of terrorism, arson- preparation to burn property, ethnic intimidation and resisting and obstructing a police officer on Saturday.

He was placed in the Oakland County Jail and given a $50,000 bond.

If convicted for the terrorism charge, he faces up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $20,000.

Prosecutors said Johnson walked into a Pontiac gas station with "a lit cigarette in his mouth, a gas can, and an open book in his hand" at 7 p.m. last Friday.

He then made multiple statements to the clerk, including, "Hey man – where your Quran at? Whose side you on? Christian, or Muslim," according to prosecutors.

After making the statements, he walked around the gas station and poured gasoline on the shelves throughout the store, according to prosecutors.

When officers arrived at the gas station, Johnson, who still had the gas can in hand, pulled out a large knife and ran away from officers, according to prosecutors.

Johnson refused to put the knife down and was eventually arrested by officers, according to prosecutors.

"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," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said.