TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 68-year-old man over the alleged rape of an elementary school girl earlier this year, reports NHK (Aug. 5).
At around 4:30 p.m. on June 23, Shingo Takahashi, of no known occupation, is alleged to have sexually assaulted the girl inside a garage.
Upon his arrest on suspicion of intercourse without consent and carrying out indecent acts, Takahashi denied the allegations. “I have no idea [about the matter],” the suspect was quoted.
The incident took place after the girl, who was on her way to an after-school class during her summer holiday, passed Takahashi on her bicycle. He then started arguing with her. “You bumped into me. Ouch, that hurt. Come over here,” he reportedly said before taking her to the garage to carry out the alleged crimes.
The suspect told the girl to keep the incident a secret before leaving the scene on bicycle. He was later identified through the use of security camera footage.
The girl left her class early after feeling unwell and went home. She reported the incident at a police station with her father.
“During the summer vacation period, there will be more opportunities for children to go out alone,” police said in a statement. “If a suspicious person calls out, do not simply follow them, and if anything happens, please call 110.”
