OKINAWA (TR) – Okinawa Prefectural Police have arrested a 32-year-old American tourist after he allegedly set fire to a hotel in the town of Chatan last month following repeated warnings about smoking indoors, reports RBC TV (Sep. 3).
Poseidon Alexander Roberson a self-proclaimed company employee, is accused of suspicion of arson and attempted murder.
In the early hours of July 15, allegedly started a fire at the budget hotel with the intent to kill, fully aware that 18 other guests were inside the building at the time.
The fire severely injured a man in his 50s from Osaka Prefecture, who suffered airway burns and carbon monoxide poisoning and was temporarily left unconscious.
According to investigative sources, Roberson had been staying at the hotel for about a week prior to the incident. During his stay, hotel staff had warned him multiple times for repeatedly smoking in designated non-smoking areas.
Six days after the fire, in the early hours of July 21, patrolling police officers spotted Roberson breaking into a commercial complex in Urasoe City. He was found sleeping inside and was arrested on the spot for trespassing. Authorities noted that he showed no signs of alcohol or drug use at the time of his arrest.
Police sent Roberson to the Naha District Public Prosecutors Office on Thursday. Investigators are continuing to look into his exact methods and motive, including whether the smoking dispute led to further altercations with hotel staff or other guests.
