FUKUOKA (TR) – Police in Fukuoka City have arrested a 42-year-old man who allegedly punched a convenience store manager in the face while attempting to flee with stolen butter, reports TV Asahi (Apr. 3).
Keigo Iwasaki was taken into custody on Thursday following an incident that left a bizarre trail of evidence scattered outside the crime scene.
According to police, the altercation took place just after noon on April 2. As Iwasaki, wearing a black knit cap and a mask, exited the convenience store, the manager called out to stop him. In response, the suspect allegedly struck the manager in the face before running away.
However, his escape was far from smooth. Outside the store, investigators found a chaotic trail of personal items dropped by the fleeing suspect: a smartphone, a mask, a knit cap, his left shoe — and the stolen butter.
Approximately three hours later, officers located Iwasaki standing on a sidewalk near the scene and placed him under arrest.
During questioning, Iwasaki admitted to the theft but partially denied the assault allegations. “I admit to stealing and running away, but I was just trying to shake off his hand,” he was quoted by police. “I didn’t intentionally use violence.”
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident.
