OSAKA (TR) – Police in Osaka earlier this week arrested five persons on suspicion of attempted murder after they allegedly hurled a 53-year-old man into the Dotonbori River early in the morning, reports the Asahi Shimbun (Oct. 16).
The suspects include 23-year-old self-employed Aito Nakae, a resident of Joto Ward, and three minors. Police have not disclosed whether the suspects have admitted to the allegations.
According to the Minami Police Station, the incident took place at around 6:10 a.m. on October 16 along the Tombori River Walk in Chuo Ward. The group is accused of grabbing the victim, a part-time worker, and tossing him into the waterway with the intent to kill.
The victim told investigators that the attack was unprovoked. “I was drunk and singing when suddenly about three guys picked a fight with me, hoisted me up, and threw me in,” he said.
Emergency services were alerted when a passerby called emergency services to report a man shouting loudly from the water. Responding officers rescued the victim, who was found clinging to the edge of the river. He was transported to a local hospital suffering from hypothermia, but his condition is not life-threatening.
Investigators believe the five suspects, who are friends, had no prior acquaintance with the victim.
Police identified the group after questioning them at a nearby establishment shortly after the incident. Authorities are currently investigating the exact circumstances and what kind of trouble preceded the altercation.