FUKUOKA (TR) — Police in Kitakyushu City have arrested a 60-year-old man for driving under the influence after a breathalyzer test detected an alcohol level more than six times the legal limit.
Yoshiki Hirata, a beautician residing in Yahatanishi Ward, was taken into custody on the morning of April 19, reports Fuji News Network (Apr. 19).
According to the Yahatahigashi Police Station, officers on routine patrol noticed a vehicle traveling ahead with a shattered brake lamp on a municipal road in the Ogura area of Yahatahigashi Ward at around 11:30 a.m. They promptly ordered the driver to pull over.
When interacting with the driver, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Hirata. A subsequent breath test revealed a staggering alcohol concentration exceeding six times the legal limit, resulting in his immediate arrest on suspicion of drunk driving.
During police questioning, Hirata admitted to heavy drinking the previous evening but denied the allegations of driving under the influence.
“Starting at around 7:00 p.m. on April 18, I spent about six hours drinking a 500-milliliter beer and five to six go [approximately 1,000 ml] of shochu mixed with water,” Hirata told investigators.
Despite the sheer volume of alcohol consumed, he attempted to justify getting behind the wheel. “I got a solid night’s sleep, and since I didn’t feel drunk before driving, so I drove,” he stated.
Local authorities are continuing to investigate the details surrounding the incident.
