HOKKAIDO (TR) – Hokkaido Prefectural Police have arrested the 35-year-old owner of a bar in Hakodate City after an unattended customer died.
On January 7, Takaya Ishii allegedly left the male customer, 33, collapsed on the floor of the bar and leaving him there, causing his death.
Police allege that Ishii did not take necessary measures, such as calling an ambulance.
Upon his arrest on suspicion of abandonment resulting in death, Ishii admitted to the allegations. He was sent to prosecutors on January 9.
The results of an autopsy revealed the cause of death to have been acute alcohol poisoning, police said.
The deceased man was a regular at the bar. At around 7:00 a.m. on January 7, he arrived at the establishment. He then proceeded to come and go throughout the day.
At a little after 8:00 p.m., an acquaintance found him collapsed face-up inside the bar. He was unconscious and not breathing. The acquaintance then called emergency services.
The owner and several other employees were inside the bar at the time.
Police are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.
