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Armed man confronts Santa Barbara clerk thinking he is terrorist
| Wednesday, Jun 14 2006 11:15 AM
Last Updated: Wednesday, Jun 14 2006 11:15 AM
A liquor store customer was arrested for allegedly pulling a knife on a clerk he thought was a "Muslim militia terrorist," police said.
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Elias Michael Banales, 31, was arrested and booked for investigation of brandishing a knife, making terrorist threats and hate crime allegations. He remained in jail with bail set at $50,000.
Banales allegedly told the clerk at Speedy Liquor and Mart on Spring Street that "he hated Muslims and that they should all be killed," according to the police report. The name of the clerk and his nationality and religious background weren't disclosed.
Banales fled when a customer ran outside and flagged down a policeman. He was captured a short time later.
Frank Banales, the suspect's father, said his son is a schizophrenic who has episodes when he mixes his medication with alcohol.
"It's not religion causing the problem," he said. "The true problem is mental health issues."