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Posted on Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.

Saline High School student charged with ethnic intimidation

By Kyle Feldscher

A Saline High School student is accused of ethnic intimidation after he allegedly called another student a terrorist and then punched him in the face, police said.

Daryl Larkin, 17, was the passenger in a vehicle driven by another 17-year-old Saline High School student on Campus Parkway near Saline High School at about 11:30 a.m. Thursday, said Pittsfield Township Deputy Chief of Police Gordy Schick.

Schick said Larkin allegedly called the pedestrian a terrorist, which the pedestrian took exception to and yelled back at Larkin and the other student.

The driver turned the car back around and went back to the pedestrian and more words were exchanged, Schick said.

“The victim told the other two students he didn’t appreciate being called a terrorist and he felt they were challenging his ethnic background,” Schick said.

“That’s when the passenger got out and punched him in the face.”

Larkin was arraigned on one count of ethnic intimidation and was given a $10,000 personal recognizance bond, according to Washtenaw County Jail records. The bond means Larkin did not have to pay any money to be released from jail, but if he does not show up for any court hearings then he must pay the full $10,000, according to jail records.

If convicted, Larkin faces a maximum of two years in prison and a fine of $5,000.

Schick said police were alerted to the incident on Friday after a third party provided police with video of the incident that the driver of the car shot and then posted on Facebook.

Police conducted interviews at Saline High School on Monday and Larkin was charged on Tuesday, he said.

The victim suffered minor injuries, Schick said. The victim’s ethnic background isn't known by police, Schick said.

Steve Laatsch, Saline Area Schools' assistant superintendent for instructional services, said school administrators have taken action toward Larkin, but he could not release details.

Laatsch said school administrators would let the pending charges play out before any further action is taken.

"The administration did take appropriate action in regards to the incident on Thursday," Laatsch said. "We feel confident they handled it very well."

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Comments

out of area

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:19 a.m.

This can be understood one of two ways, neither of which is reassuring. First, this might be ethnic intimidation because the listener was offended and felt like his race was targeted. I don't know how many times I've been picked last in pick-up basketball games, when I'm the only person whose skin fails to absorb a whole lot of light; I'm happy to know now all I need to do is feel offended and I can get people arrested. The alternative is that a third person would agree that the speech targets ethnicity. But calling this speech "ethnic" intimidation is itself racist. Terrorists aren't confined to one people group. By assuming the speaker was racially motivated, the authorities are reaffirming our worst stereotypes: this guy looks like someone from a people group associated with terrorism in popular culture, therefore we will attribute those stereotypes to the speaker. In other words, the authorities are saying the victim looks like an Arab, and we all agree that we associate Arabs with terrorism; therefore, the speaker's words were ethnically motivated. If you reject the assumption that Arab = terrorist, then assuming someone who says nothing more than "terrorist" to someone who looks Arab is ethnically motivated makes no sense. The authorities perpetuate the stereotype by attributing ethnic motivation to the speaker here. Without knowing the ethnic identity of the victim, we can't say which is true. But I find both options offensive.

snapshot

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:33 a.m.

"Words were exchanged". I wonder what words these two were exchanging? Maybe this pedestrian did some sort of mock approach to a crosswalk initiating the young man's comment. He could have been accusing him of being a crosswalk terrorist. Those individuals that bolt into the crosswalk unsuspectingly just to "terrorize" motorists. Fact is, all the details aren't known yet.

Jacob Bodnar

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:41 p.m.

I'm not entirely sure I understand the charge of ethnic intimidation. He clearly assaulted the man, that should be the charge and that should be good enough. You have a right to be racist and shout something at someone, you shouldn't be arrested for that. However, when you punch them in the face, then you've broken the law.

PatRay

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.

"The victim told the other two students he didn't appreciate being called a terrorist and he felt they were challenging his ethnic background," Schick said. What else was said? How long have these to 17 year olds being at each other? Is there a girl involved? Is the victim's dad a lawyer that advised his son to use your ethnic background and really get him in trouble? Too many unknowns. Is this the type of high profile case that will bring needed publicity? One thing for sure, this kid is messed up for life. Convicted or not this will be on his record and he is branded. Assault is never acceptable but nether should be assault by use of the law.

UlyssesSwrong

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:43 p.m.

This is sad to hear but not very surprising to me. We have a diverse country, but it seems there will always be jackasses who are racist.

kalamityjane

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:40 p.m.

Sadly this seems to be a continuing thing in this society, thinking its ok to call people names based on race. The kid accused is actually Black, not that it makes it any different, just referring to the "good ole boy" and confederate flag references. I don't think he'd think it was cool if someone called him a name based on his race, and then to go as far as to assault the vicitim is even more ridiculous! According to his Facebook page he's suspended from school and state "but I don't give a f*ck"... Sad, sounds like a real piece of work. And don't go calling him ignorant because he's Black either because that's just lowering to his level and this is not a "Black thing" by any means, its an ignorant thing. You commit a crime, nonetheless on videotape and you think you're SO cool until odern day technology puts you on the chopping block, he hung himself! And for those defendig his freedom of speech come on now, calling someone a terrorist and assaulting them when they defend themselves is NOT okay! I'm sure the victim was of Middle Eastern decent as that's who is usually dubbed "terrorists" in our racist society. And perhaps we don't hear of racial intimidation against whites from them as stated is because AMERICANS in general are the ones terrorizing not only each other but other Nationalities as well! I'm not foolish enough to believe racism does not exist but its ignorant to hate someone based on the color of their skin!

John of Saline

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.

It's kinda dim to post your crime videos on Facebook.

Tina Ferraro

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:34 p.m.

It bothers me to know I live in a town with people who would defend this "kid" based on free speech. Ever hear of slander, libel, defamation? Not all speech is allowed. And, it didn't just end with the name calling, they took the time and effort to go back to punch the kid in the face for defending himself. There was real malice here. Sometimes things get built up into more than they are - but let's not minimize this one as being nothing. Wonder what would have happened if it hadn't been 11:30 a.m. on Campus Parkway.

Superior Twp voter

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.

Ever observed a "minority" criminally charged with ethnic intimidation for "intimidating" a Caucasian? No? I didn't think so...

KeepingItReal

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:15 p.m.

Have you ever been spit on while walking down the street and called the n word

4x4Saline

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.

I'm curious if these are the same kids who were found guilty of throwing eggs at random vehicles throughout Northview and Wildwood Subdivisions.

grye

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.

If you call someone something and they consider it offensive, is that considered bullying? Is that now covered under state law? Might as well keep you mouths shut and not utter any words. Someone may take offense. There go our first ammendment rights. The physical assault is a complete other matter.

Usual Suspect

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.

So now it's illegal to call somebody a terrorist? What other terms are illegal? Who's keeping the list? Where can I find the list so I know what's OK and what's not? What happened here, verbally, should be protected by the Constitution, but these days it isn't (thanks for that, progressives). Everything this guy did verbally is protected speech. Anything involving threats, or physically deterring the other person from walking away or otherwise leaving the area is illegal and can be dealt with laws that have always been around. The assault is, of course, criminal. Look - we don't have a right to leave our homes in the morning and remain free from insult or offense during our time in public areas. I have the right to come up to you and tell you I think you're a jerk. It's Constitutionally-protected speech. You also have the right to reply and tell me I'm the southern end of a northbound mule. That's Constitutionally-protected speech as well. These "hate speech" and "ethnic intimidation" laws are garbage and are contrary to our founding principles. And they're extremely dangerous.

Jatra

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:11 a.m.

I am surprised that an assumption stated as a question would incur the charge of arrogance, presumptuous yes, but arrogant... not so much. As a fellow lover of travel may I ask where you lived?

Jatra

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:08 a.m.

So you find no delineation between free speech, hate speech and harassment?

Usual Suspect

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.

Wow, that's very presumptuous and arrogant of you. In fact, I have lived in areas where I was a minority, and rather enjoyed it. I am not so shallow that my opinions about the law would be based on whether something is convenient for me or works in my favor. I base my opinions on whether I believe something is right or wrong. Would the same situation occur to me in such an area, I would hold the same opinion: free speech is free speech, assault is assault, threats are threats, all regardless of the motivation. And I would seek justice to the extent possible as an assault. I am a very strong believe in the concept that free speech taken from anybody else is a threat to my own freedom as well.

Jatra

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.

Usual Suspect, I assume you have not spent much time in areas where most people look "different" than you do.

UlyssesSwrong

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:37 p.m.

I don't think anyone should be defending anything that's clearly malicious and derogatory, unless of course you're OK with racism leading to an assault.

Frankyhollywood68

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.

you make a good point Usual Suspect, but I feel 'Ethnic intimidation' needs to be added because most racist behavior is not dealt with. seriously, if this guy had kept driving and not returned to assault this kid, no one would be talking about this. but he did, so not only should he be charged with 'assault' pile on 'ETHNIC INTIMIDATION'

Diane

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.

Parents better start parenting instead of handing your kid money & telling them to get out of the house. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

thedime

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 3:18 a.m.

The victim suffered minor injuries, Schick said. The victim's ethnic background isn't known by police, Schick said. This is oh so wrong. Without knowing the victims ethnicity, how can this be ethnic intimidation? There is no discernible definition of terrorist anywhere, except for what is touted daily in the Western media. The only real problem here is the student and his accomplice looking for a reason to instigate. Charge them accordingly and move on.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:11 p.m.

They may not have said they didn't know. They may be protecting the alleged victim and trying to avoid escalation of the nonsense. The police conducted interviews on Monday and charged the guy on Tuesday. I don't think they are so dumb that they didn't pick up on what the ethnic background of the alleged victim was. There's a big difference between a scuffle that grows out of an immediate dispute and an attack on a person because of hatred toward their ethnic group. It's time to end this stupidity. In our country, everybody...that's everybody...is entitled to be left alone unless they are committing a crime or something of that sort. So leave the other people alone and let them lead their own lives as they choose. Period. Otherwise, pay the price.

Usual Suspect

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.

Great points. I wonder if these "ethnic intimidation" laws would invoked to protect a white person in an otherwise similar incident? I'm guessing not. We would probably end up suffering a visit from The Justice Brothers.

10dz

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 3:17 a.m.

just another cowboy with too much confidence. Easy to be a tough guy with your buddies around. Bet he wouldn't pull that nonsense in some the neighborhoods around the way. Didn't the Governor just sign an Anti-Bullying bill TODAY??????????????????????

Doug

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 12:59 p.m.

Right on! The more friends around to protect you, the more you can bully.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 1:21 a.m.

Schick said police were alerted to the incident on Friday after a third party provided police with video of the incident that the driver of the car shot and then posted on Facebook. ---------- On the lighter side, I was wondering if the driver of the car is related to the bus-riding bandit. Genius. On the real side, this kind of behavior is exactly what anti-bullying policies should be about. I wonder what the alleged attacker's parents think about minority folks. Acorns--trees. Any time that a man (pretty grown up to call a child) intentionally promotes a fight and beats on another man because of his race or ethnic culture or whatever it might be, he should get the feel of the full authority of the law. It's time for this crap to stop. Leave other people alone. This was not a fight. It was an attack. Big difference, John Wayne. The llimit on one person's rights is its effect on the rights of others. The old timey school yard fights were okay only for the bullies, and were definitely very painful in many ways for the victims. Teach your kids to be decent and tolerant men and women. We already have too dang many of the other kind.

smokeblwr

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 12:43 a.m.

Seems like this happens a lot in Saline.

Jennifer Hernandez

Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:46 a.m.

It happens EVERYWHERE!!

aawolve

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:51 p.m.

Racists in Saline, rapists and muggers in Ann Arbor, I'm moving to Ypsi.

UlyssesSwrong

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.

I found this comment very funny, and so it deserves an lol, as the kids say.

JEAN

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 3:53 p.m.

Yes, it does. Just drive into the parking lot and look at the Confederate flags in the windows of the trucks.

cinnabar7071

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 12:13 a.m.

When I went to school you were sent to the principals office and suspended for fighting. Didnt matter whether the kids were racists, fighting over a girl, or a football team. Thats what happened and it work out pretty good. I feel sorry for the kids growing up today. Getting in a school yard fight today could cause you trouble for the rest of your life.

cinnabar7071

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.

Doug I didn't miss it, just not sure it's for the better. Hate is Hate and I dont see how the words leading up to the assault should have any effect on the out come. Who's more of a victim the guy who was called a terrorist before being punched or someone who was punched by a silent attacker. At least the guy who was called a terrorist knows he was assaulted by hate monger. The other guy is left wondering why. But one thing I'm sure of is both their noses hurt equally.

Doug

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 12:56 p.m.

The country has changed and you missed it.

David Briegel

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.

Apparently it really didn't work out all that well. Look at what our children and grandchildren are up too! If you want a good read, To Kill A Mockingbird and the real man heroics of Atticus Finch would be a great place for all kids to start!

Jatra

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 12:04 a.m.

Tom Todd, free speech does not equal hate speech. The speech of the accused indicates the motivation for the assault and should be taken into consideration in court. Anyone who would assault someone because of their race, religion, gender or ethnic background is a threat to a free and fair society. While free speech must be protected, these protections do not subordinate the right to life, liberty and the persuit of happiness, let alone the right of the alleged victim to walk along the street unmolested. That being said, I hope this child learns a valuable lesson and that his actions are little more than a symptom of youth and ignorance.

bedrog

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 12:06 p.m.

I agree with you jatra. Wish you'd say the same on the A2.com thread about the AATA/ACLU ad suit...

bruce

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 11:28 p.m.

Yes, this young man should be charged with assault, and racial intimidation. He instigated this climate of racism, and then proceeded to punch the young man in the face. Along with his accomplice who should also be charged for aiding and abetting, they turned the car around just to confront the victim, so this climate was created by them.

Tom Todd

Tue, Dec 6, 2011 : 11:09 p.m.

this is wrong on many levels. First assault is illegal and should & is punishable by law. Second free speech is no longer a first amendment right any where at any time in this country anymore.

David Briegel

Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.

Hogwash! He can have all the speech he wants. Assault, pre-meditated assault is NOT speech! Other than those details, great post!