HIROSHIMA (TR) – Hiroshima Prefectural Police have arrested a 29-year-old man for setting fire to the house of an elderly couple in Hiroshima City and stealing approximately 26 million yen in cash earlier this year.
Between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on July 28, Yusei Kajiwara allegedly gave sleeping pills to the couple, aged in their 80s, at their home in Nishi Ward, reports NHK (Oct. 30).
With the pair in a drowsy state, he is then alleged to have stolen approximately 26 million yen in cash and a Boston bag before setting the house on fire.
The couple noticed the fire and fled. They were not injured, police said.
Upon his arrest on suspicion of attempted robbery and murder and arson in an inhabited building, Kajiwara said, “I don’t want to say anything right now.”
According to police, Kajiwara, who is from Kanagawa Prefecture, was living in Hiroshima City and working in sales at the time of the incident. The victims were were his customers. On July 28, he visited the couple’s house pretending to be a salesman.
According to a man in his 40s who lives nearby, he heard a fire alarm sound on the night of the incident. When he looked outside, he saw black smoke and flames coming from the couple’s window. He then called the fire department. Other concerned neighbors went into the house and called out to the elderly man and woman. They unsteadily came to their feet and escaped the blaze.
According to police, about 15 square meters of the couple’s home, including the walls and floors, were burned. The man’s son was taken to hospital after inhaling smoke.
