Two arrested in Tokyo for assaulting taxi driver

Police in Tokyo have arrested two men in connection with the assault of a taxi driver that took place in December, authorities said.

The suspects — 24-year-old Ryuto Fukuda, who is self-employed, and 21-year-old Hiroshi Matsui, a third-year student at Nihon Keizai University — are accused of attacking a taxi driver in his 40s, according to Japanese media.

Investigators said the victim suffered serious injuries, including a fractured jaw, broken front teeth, and nerve damage as a result of the assault.

According to police, the incident occurred after Fukuda and Matsui became involved in a confrontation with a group of five men. The two suspects then chased three of the men onto the grounds of a nearby taxi parking area in Iidabashi Ward.

At that point, the taxi driver — who was outside his vehicle — intervened and told them to take the fight elsewhere. Police said Fukuda and Matsui then turned on the driver and assaulted him before fleeing the scene.

Authorities later identified the suspects through analysis of street surveillance camera footage. Both men were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of assault.

By Tamilla Hasanova