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Gangster opens fire at Tokyo cops just prior to arrest in Shinjuku

Gangster opens fire at Tokyo cops just prior to arrest in Shinjuku
Guns seized by police
TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Friday announced the arrest of a member of an upper member of the Sumiyoshi-kai organized crime group for possession of weapons earlier this month, reports public broadcaster NHK (Dec. 21).

On December 7, Joji Yoshida, 63, was taken into custody after police found two guns, one an automatic and the other a revolver, and more than 20 rounds of ammunition in his possession — a violation of the Swords and Firearms Control Law.

Working on a tip indicating that Yoshida was carrying a weapon, law enforcement surrounded the suspect outside an apartment building in Shinjuku Ward. Yoshida then pulled one of the guns from his coat pocket and opened fire at the officers.

The suspect was subdued immediately, and there were no reports of injuries.

“I thought I’d shoot at a police officer since I thought I’d be caught,” said Yoshida, who reportedly discharged two rounds.

According to investigators, Yoshida has shot and injured police officers on two previous occasions and subsequently served time in prison.

Police are now investigating how the suspect obtained the weapons.

捜査員に拳銃向け、銃刀法違反容疑で逮捕