OKINAWA (TR) – Okinawa Prefectural Police have arrested a 32-year-old American tourist after he allegedly set fire to a lodging facility in the town of Chatan last month, leaving a fellow guest severely injured, reports RBC TV (Sep. 1).
At around 3:30 a.m. on July 15, Poseidon Alexander Roberson, a self-proclaimed company employee, is alleged to have intentionally started a fire at the accommodation where he was staying.
Police allege he sparked the blaze with the intent to kill, fully aware that other guests were asleep inside the building.
A man in his 50s from Osaka Prefecture who was staying at the facility sustained severe injuries, including airway burns and carbon monoxide poisoning. The victim was temporarily rendered unconscious and, while he has since awakened from the coma, continues to receive treatment for serious injuries.
Police have declined to disclose whether Roberson has admitted to allegations of attempted murder and arson, citing the ongoing investigation.
The suspect was already in police custody prior to the arson charges. He was arrested on the spot in the early hours of July 21 for allegedly trespassing at a commercial complex in Urasoe City without a valid reason.
