TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested a 21-year-old male member of the U.S. military after he allegedly dodged a taxi bill and choked a woman in Shinjuku Ward, investigative sources revealed on Monday, reports Nippon News Network (May 27).
At around 5:45 a.m. on May 25, the member of the U.S. Marine Corps, 21, allegedly punched the driver of the taxi in front of the Washington Hotel in the Nishi Shinjuku area. He then fled the scene without paying the 810-yen fare.
The suspect then entered an outlet of McDonald’s and choked a 19-year-old woman with whom he was not acquainted.
The woman, who is a member of Japan’s Self-Defense Force, lost consciousness momentarily. However, she has since recovered, police said.
The suspect was drunk at the time. Thus far, police have accused him of robbery resulting in injury for the incident involving the driver. “I do not recall riding a taxi,” the suspect was quoted by police in denying the allegations. “Until I talk to a lawyer, I have nothing to say.”
Police are continuing to investigate whether to also accuse the suspect of attempted murder for the other incident.
