KANAGAWA (TR) – Kanagawa Prefectural Police have served fresh arrest warrants on two ex-convicts accused of embarking on a daylight robbery and attempted sexual assault spree in Yokohama City.
The incidents took place just months after the pair was released from prison, reports TBS News (May 27).
Yukio Kaji, 42, and Ken Murakami, 45, both of no fixed address and unemployed, were re-arrested on suspicion of robbery, attempted non-consensual sexual intercourse and theft.
According to police, the duo allegedly broke into an apartment in Yokohama’s Kanagawa Ward on April 1. They attempted to steal valuables and sexually assault a 37-year-old female resident. However, the suspects fled the scene after the victim fought back and resisted their advances.
On the very same day, the men allegedly broke into a separate apartment in the same ward via the balcony, making off with 60,000 yen in gift certificates and an item of clothing.
Police have not disclosed whether the suspects have admitted to the allegations.
The two men were already behind bars following an earlier arrest and subsequent indictment.
On the same day as the newly alleged crimes, Kaji and Murakami broke into yet another Kanagawa Ward apartment. When the female resident returned home, the men assaulted her, attempted to rape her and fled with her wallet.
Investigative sources revealed that the suspects met while serving time in the same prison for separate robbery and sex offenses. Both men had just been granted parole earlier this year before allegedly teaming up to continue their criminal activities.
Authorities are now investigating whether the pair is linked to a string of similar home invasions and sexual assaults recently reported in Tokyo.
