AVON, Ohio – A prosecutor is reviewing whether to pursue charges against an Ohio hotel clerk who raised suspicions that an Emirati businessman dressed in traditional clothing could have links to terrorism.
Businessman Ahmed al-Menhali (AH'-med ahl-men-HAHL'-ee) was detained by police at gunpoint last week at an Avon hotel before police determined he wasn't a threat. Police responded to 911 calls from the clerk's family expressing fears that al-Menhali could have ties to the Islamic State group.
The clerk's sister told police he was "pledging his allegiance or something to ISIS."
Al-Menhali's treatment became front-page news in the United Arab Emirates, which has since warned its citizens to avoid wearing traditional garments abroad.
Avon city officials say the investigation was turned over to the prosecutor's office to decide whether to pursue charges.
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