Man arrested near US embassy in Tokyo after knife incident with police officer

A man armed with knives was arrested near the US Embassy in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on October 24 afternoon after injuring a police officer, authorities say.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers on duty reported a man acting suspiciously near the embassy at around 2:30 pm, Caliber.Az reports, citing Japanese media.

When riot police approached to question him, the suspect, believed to be in his 30s, produced a kitchen knife from his backpack and a fruit knife from a black plastic bag, holding one in each hand and threatening officers.

During the attempt to restrain him, a police officer in his 20s suffered a cut to his right ankle. The suspect was promptly arrested on the spot on suspicion of obstructing official duties. Witnesses reported that he shouted, “Strangle me and kill me,” during the arrest.

The suspect has admitted the allegations and told investigators that his actions were motivated by “grudges against the Japan Meteorological Agency and the National Police Agency.”

The arrest comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Japan.

The Metropolitan Police Department had increased the presence of riot police and other officers across Tokyo in preparation for heightened security measures.

By Aghakazim Guliyev