ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A teenager accused of kicking the front door of a Jewish community center near the University of Michigan has been ordered to pay a $500 fine, according to court records.
The now 19-year-old accepted responsibility for a civil infraction, leading to the dismissal of a misdemeanor prowling charge earlier this month. Tamara Garwood, a judge in the 15th District Court, issued the fine as part of the resolution.
The incident occurred around 1:42 a.m. on October 26, when the individual—then 18—was captured on surveillance footage outside the Jewish Resource Center on Hill Street in Ann Arbor. Video released by local authorities shows him running toward the building, kicking the entrance door, and quickly fleeing the scene.
Audio from the footage also captured offensive remarks directed at Jewish people during the incident. Despite the disturbance, officials confirmed there was no physical damage to the facility.
The center serves as a gathering place for Jewish students, hosting events such as Shabbat meals and community activities.
Police noted that the individual is not affiliated with the University of Michigan. Authorities also highlighted that the case comes amid several reported incidents targeting Jewish students in the area over the past year.
In one previous case, a student was assaulted near Hill Street after being identified as Jewish. Other incidents involved confrontations near student housing linked to Jewish organizations.
Law enforcement officials say investigations into such incidents remain ongoing, with an emphasis on community safety and preventing hate-related acts.