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Fukuoka cops: Manager of Japan Post shopping mall molested woman

Kitte Hakata
Kitte Hakata

FUKUOKA (TR) – Fukuoka Prefectural Police have arrested the manager of a shopping mall operated by Japan Post for allegedly molesting a woman at an apartment in Fukuoka City, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Aug. 7).

On Saturday at 2:20 a.m., Hideki Tachihara, the 47-year-old manager of Kitte Hakata, located in front of JR Hakata Station, allegedly embraced the woman, a 21-year-old part-time employee, and fondled her right breast at the entrance of an apartment building.

Tachihara, who has been charged with indecent assault, denies the charges. “I was drunk so I don’t remember doing a thing,” the manager is quoted by the Hakata Police Station.

Prior to the incident, Tachibana called out the woman, suggesting they “go out and play.” After the woman bolted, the suspect pursued her.

During the alleged crime, the woman let out a scream and Tachibara fled the area. However, the woman alerted police, who arrived at the scene about 15 minutes later and apprehended the suspect nearby.

“We haven’t received any information about (the case) so we have nothing to say,” a representative of Kitte Hakata is quoted.

The 11-story Kitte Hakata, which includes about 180 shops and restaurants, opened in April.