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Wakayama cops hunt for suspect after shooting leaves 1 dead, 3 hurt

Yasuhide Mizohata
Yasuhide Mizohata

WAKAYAMA (TR) – Wakayama Prefectural Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a 45-year-old man after a shooting incident on Monday left one man dead and three others injured, reports the Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 30).

At approximately 8:50 a.m., a gunman, believed to be Yasuhide Mizohata, opened fire inside the office of Wadai Kogyo in Wakayama City. Emergency personnel arriving at the scene found four employees of the firm collapsed and bleeding with variety of injuries, including wounds to the abdomen.

Junsuke Ishiyama, 45, was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital, while the other three victims, aged between 43 and 46, are receiving medical treatment.

Just prior to the incident, Mizohata reportedly took a gun from a bag he was carrying as five male employees held a meeting. After the shooting, Mizohata, who is the son of the president of Wadai Kogyo, fled the scene. He is wanted on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Wadai Kogyo was founded in 1979. The company, which employs around 10 persons, specializes in public works projects.

Mizohata was once employed at the firm.