FUKUOKA (TR) – A former Fukuoka Prefectural Police officer has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly brandishing a kitchen knife at his lover’s husband in a bizarre bid to prevent the couple from getting a divorce.
The male patrol officer faces charges of attempted coercion and violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law, investigative sources said, reports TV Asahi (Apr. 11).
According to police, the officer became romantically involved with a woman around the summer of last year, fully aware that she was married. When her husband discovered the illicit affair and sought to dissolve the marriage, the officer and the woman allegedly conspired to stop him.
During a confrontation, the officer is accused of displaying a kitchen knife — with a 13-centimeter-long blade — and attempting to strong-arm the husband into dropping the divorce proceedings. The husband steadfastly refused to comply with the armed demand.
Following an internal investigation, the Fukuoka Prefectural Police penalized the officer with a disciplinary pay cut on March 12. Having admitted to the allegations, he subsequently took voluntary retirement.
Police did not publicly disclose the disciplinary action at the time, justifying the silence by stating the incident was “a private act unrelated to his official duties”.
