TOKUSHIMA (TR) – Police in Tokushima City have arrested a 63-year-old man for aggressive driving after he furiously chased down and blocked a motorist who had stopped to let an ambulance pass, reports Nippon News Network (July 10).
Koji Arai is accused of violating the Road Traffic Act over the incident, which took place in March.
According to dashcam footage provided by the victim, the altercation began at an intersection when the victim brought his car to a halt to yield to an approaching ambulance. Arai, who was driving the vehicle directly behind him, immediately began leaning on his horn in a barrage of frustration.
“At first, I didn’t even realize he was honking at me,” the victim said. “I wondered who he was honking at and why.”
Once the ambulance cleared the intersection and the victim attempted to move forward, Arai aggressively cut in front of the vehicle to block its path. Although the victim managed to slip past and drive away, Arai initiated a high-speed pursuit.
“I hurried to get away, but he came after me at an even faster speed,” the victim recalled. “I thought, ‘Are you kidding me with this guy?’ I realized if it turned into a full-blown car chase, it would be a disaster. I finally braced myself and stopped.”
Dashcam audio captured Arai exiting his vehicle, storming up to the victim’s car, and screaming, “What the hell is your problem?!”
When the victim calmly explained that he had simply stopped for the ambulance, Arai raged, “You didn’t need to stop! Go straight! You idiot!”
The victim dialed 110 from inside his car, holding the phone so the dispatcher could hear Arai’s screaming. However, the suspect fled the scene before police officers could arrive.
Police finally caught up with Arai on the 8th of this month, initially arresting him for driving on a suspended license—a penalty he had just received due to a buildup of traffic violations. He was handed the additional “obstructive driving” charge the following day.
Arai has admitted to the allegations, acknowledging both driving without a valid license and road rage.
Reflecting on the senseless ordeal, the victim told reporters, “Nothing changes by tailgating someone. Ultimately, driving calmly is the best way to not waste time. I just want road rage to disappear completely.”
