Deputies say a man who reportedly told them he didn't like Arabs faces a hate crime after being accused of stabbing a store clerk in Martin County.
Jeremiah Emmanuel Hendrix went into The Family Dollar Store on SE Dixie Highway Wednesday afternoon and began harassing two clerks, the sheriff's office said.
After he tried grabbing a female employee another worker stepped in and was slashed on the arm, the sheriff's office said.
Deputies said they found Hendrix about four blocks away from the store in a wooded area.
When questioned, deputies said Hendrix admitted the stabbing and said, “there’s no reason other than they are (expletive) Arabs, I don’t like Arabs."
Deputies charged Hendrix with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
He's currently jailed on $40,000 bond.