The victim said he was praying outside his vehicle in the parking lot on El Camino Real about 2:40 p.m. when someone approached him brandishing a knife, police said.
The victim, who identified himself as Middle Eastern/Afghan, said the person with the knife threatened to kill him and made derogatory comments about his ethnicity.
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The suspect fled in a vehicle, leaving the victim uninjured. Police located the vehicle and arrested the driver, a 17-year-old who was identified by the victim.
The teen was held on accusations related to committing a hate crime, brandishing a deadly weapon, and making criminal threats, police said.
Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to contact the San Bruno Police Department at (650) 616-7100 or sbpdtipline@sanbruno.ca.gov.