GROSSE POINTE (WWJ) -- Following an investigation into a potential ethnic intimidation incident, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated in a news release that no charges will be filed in connection with a paper noose that was discovered in a Panera Bread in late-December.
The event in question happened on Dec. 30, 2022. Just before 8:30 p.m., an employee of a Grosse Pointe Panera Bread found a noose made out of a long strip of paper towel in the men's restroom and contacted local police.
Officers arrived at the restaurant on Kercheval, just west of Cadieux, and interviewed the employee.
Law enforcement investigated the incident and determined that four freshman students from Grosse Pointe South had been in the public bathroom vaping around the same time.
It is believed that one of those students -- a 15-year-old -- tied a long strip of paper towel into a noose and hung it from one of the stalls.
Grosse Pointe police spoke to all of the persons of interest.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office Juvenille Unit then reviewed the case to decide whether the facts and evidence met the criteria for an ethnic intimidation charge.
According to Prosecutor Worthy's press release, an ethnic intimidation charge requires "specific intent too intimidate or harass a person/persons."
Because the noose was hung in a public place and did not appear to be targeted toward a specific person, there is insufficient evidence to charge anyone with a crime.
“Although this decision may upset some, we must follow the current laws on our books when making a charging decision," said Worthy.
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