TOKYO (TR) – An unknown perpetrator stabbed a female performer in front of a live music venue in Minato Ward over the weekend. Security camera footage obtained by TV Asahi (Nov. 18) shows the suspected perpetrator in a mask fleeing the scene in Akasaka by bicycle.
At around 10:30 a.m. on October 15, the incident took place in front of the live music venue, which is located in the basement of a building and specializes in classical and jazz. The victim, aged in her 40s, is believed to have been waiting in front of the venue at the bottom of the stairs.
According to police, the suspected perpetrator was loitering around the scene for at least two hours before the woman arrived. He headed to the basement after the woman entered the building. He then stabbed the woman and fled. His whereabouts are unknown.
The woman suffered serious injuries, including to her left side and the palm of one of her hands. The wound to her side reached her internal organs.
A large “X” mark was spray-painted on a poster for the venue. Police do know know when it was marked, who did it or whether it is related to the incident.
Police are currently investigating whether the woman and the suspected perpetrator knew each other, but there are no reports of any trouble involving her or the music venue.
Covered his shoes
There is some information that suggests a strong degree of planning was involved. According to investigators, the man had covered his shoes with something like a plastic bag, presumably to avoid leaving shoe prints.
Furthermore, the manner of his escape raises the possibility that he had been planning his attack. Shortly after the incident, a passerby saw a man running from the the music venue, although it is not known whether this was the same man who stabbed the woman.
The witness said, “The man ran at a high speed, in a rather unnatural way. He was about 180 centimters tall. I felt something was off, so I chased after him. He ran at a tremendous speed, carrying a bag. He was wearing jeans, a black hat and a mask.”
Covered his shoes
The suspected perpetrator eventually jumped on a bicycle he had seemingly prepared in advance and rode down a street behind Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. He then turned left onto Aoyama-dori.
The same witness said, “He was standing and pedaling. He was thin. He was of medium build, or rather thin.”
The man rode past not only the Akasaka Imperial Estate but also Akasaka Police Station. A security camera just before the station captured footage of him pedaling away.
The perpetrator had a large bag in the front basket of the bicycle. He appeared to be slightly hunched over.
Based on security footage taken at multiple locations, police believe at one point the perpetrator changed his clothes. They are seeking his whereabouts on suspicion of attempted murder.
