KAGAWA (TR) – Kagawa Prefectural Police have arrested a 64-year-old fugitive wanted for a violent home invasion after a property manager caught him trespassing in a vacant storefront, reports Setonaikai TV (Aug. 17).
Wataru Mizobuchi, of no known address or occupation, was taken into custody on the afternoon of August 17.
According to police, a 51-year-old real estate company president conducting a routine inspection of an empty store in Takamatsu City stumbled upon the suspect at around 2:30 p.m. The president apprehended Mizobuchi on the spot, handing him over to authorities.
During police questioning, Mizobuchi admitted to the trespassing charge.
Manhunt
The arrest brings an end to a weeks-long manhunt. Mizobuchi had been on the run since July 30, following a brazen home invasion in the city’s Kameta-minamimachi area.
Investigators allege that Mizobuchi smashed the glass of a backdoor to enter the residence. Once inside, he grabbed the female occupant by the wrists and threatened her, demanding, “Hand over your valuables.” The woman sustained sprains and scratches during the ensuing struggle.
On August 6, police released Mizobuchi’s photograph to the public and placed him on a wanted list for robbery resulting in bodily injury.
Officers discovered a bicycle abandoned near the vacant store that is believed to have been used as his getaway vehicle in the July home invasion.
Police are now moving forward with an investigation to press additional robbery and assault charges against the suspect.
