TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 45-year-old company executive after he allegedly hit an acquaintance with his car in Chiyoda Ward following a dispute over unpaid debt, reports TBS News (May 20).
Naoto Hirata, a resident of Bunkyo Ward, is accused of intentionally driving his vehicle into a man in his 50s on a street in Kanda-Misakicho shortly after 4:00 p.m. on May 13. The victim sustained minor injuries in the attack.
During police questioning, Hirata denied the charges of attempted murder. “There is no mistake that I fled the scene, but I did not hit anyone,” the suspect told investigators.
According to police, the incident was sparked by financial trouble. Hirata had reportedly borrowed 1 million yen in cash from the victim. Just moments before the alleged vehicular assault, the two men were engaged in a heated verbal altercation on the street regarding the repayment of the loan.
Following the argument, Hirata got into his car and attempted to reverse to escape. When the victim pursued him on foot, Hirata allegedly shifted gears, accelerated forward, and struck the man before fleeing the scene.
