CHIBA (TR) — Police in Ichihara City have arrested a 76-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and assault after he allegedly struck a man with a car and dragged his wife following a parking dispute, reports Nippon News Network (Apr. 21).
Naoki Nakano, a resident of the city, is accused of intentionally ramming his light passenger vehicle into a 52-year-old male company executive in the parking lot of a large commercial facility in the Sarashina area at around 3:10 p.m. on April 19.
According to police, the violence was sparked by a heated verbal altercation over the way the couple’s vehicle was parked. Following the argument, Nakano allegedly accelerated his car directly at the man in an attempt to kill him.
As Nakano attempted to flee the scene, the victim’s 39-year-old wife grabbed the passenger-side door handle to stop him. Nakano reportedly drove off anyway, dragging the woman along the pavement.
The male victim suffered serious injuries, including a fractured right shoulder blade, while his wife sustained minor injuries to her knees. Neither injury is considered life-threatening.
The injured couple managed to track the fleeing suspect while the wife called police. Police officers rushed to the area and intercepted Nakano shortly after as he was driving on a public road outside the facility.
Upon his initial detainment, Nakano reportedly admitted to hitting the victim. However, during formal interrogation, he reversed his statement and completely denied the allegations, telling investigators, “I don’t remember it at all.”
Police are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances that led to the violent confrontation.
