TOKYO, May 26 – Four U.S. servicemen have been arrested in Japan’s Okinawa between May 23 and May 26 in connection with separate incidents, local media reported.
In the latest case, a 23-year-old U.S. Marine corporal was arrested on a city road in Okinawa on suspicion of driving under the influence.
While on patrol, officers noticed a car swerving and pulled it over. A breathalyzer test was conducted, which revealed a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit, national broadcaster NHK reported.
On May 25, another U.S. Marine, a 20-year-old, was also arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run in Okinawa. A breath test also indicated a blood alcohol level over the legal limit.
Earlier on May 25, a 26-year-old U.S. Navy was arrested in Okinawa City for allegedly trespassing on a private residence’s balcony.
On the night of May 23, a 20-year-old U.S. Marine was arrested in Chatan Town on suspicion of public indecency after allegedly exposing his lower body in public.
Crimes involving U.S. military personnel in Okinawa have been a longstanding issue. According to Okinawa Prefecture’s statistics, approximately 6,200 criminal cases involving U.S. military personnel and their dependents have occurred in the prefecture between 1972 and 2023, including serious offenses such as murder, rape, and robbery.
XINHUA
