YAMAGUCHI (TR) – A male officer with the Yamaguchi Prefectural Police left a loaded handgun hanging in a convenience store restroom while on duty, police announced on Wednesday, reports TV Yamaguchi (June 3).
At approximately 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday, the 40-something Assistant Inspector, assigned to the headquarters’ criminal division, stopped at a convenience store in Shimonoseki City while on night patrol. While using a private stall in the restroom, he hung his duty belt — complete with a loaded revolver — on a wall hook.
He then exited the restroom and departed the store, completely forgetting his weapon.
The lethal firearm remained unattended for about 40 minutes before another customer discovered it. A store clerk was alerted and promptly contacted the police.
According to authorities, the Assistant Inspector has admitted to the blunder.
Police confirmed that there were no signs the weapon had been fired during the time it was missing. This incident marks the first time a firearm has been misplaced by an officer in the Yamaguchi Prefectural Police since 2013.
In a statement following the incident, the prefectural police said, “We will thoroughly reinforce instruction and training regarding the proper handling of firearms.”
