Police in Yotsukaido, Chiba Prefecture, said Tuesday they have arrested a 73-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and shoplifting after he stabbed the 25-year-old owner of a convenience store.
According to police, Hirotaka Serata, of no fixed address and who gave his occupation as a salesman, entered the 7-Eleven store at around 4:20 p.m. Sunday, Sankei Shimbun reported. He took a bottle of whisky and started to leave the store without paying. When the store owner chased him outside, Serata stabbed him in the stomach with a small knife.
Police said the victim was taken to hospital and that his wound is not life-threatening.
Police identified Serata after examining store surveillance camera footage. He was apprehended Monday night at a hotel in Sodegaura Chiba Prefecture.
Police said Serata has admitted to the charge and quoted him as saying he thought he wouldn’t get caught if he used a knife but that he had no intent to kill.
© Japan Today
4 Comments
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Yubaru
Must have been drunk when he said this.
hooktrunk2
A homeless 'salesman'? What does he sell, I wonder? And what kind of person walks around with a knife ready to use?
Doesn't everyone know that convenient stores are bristling with cameras these days? I wonder if he was looking for a cheap, justice center retirement center?
Hope the victim heals quickly.
sir_bentley28
Wait, what? Did he think the police would be like "Oh, he used a knife to stab someone? Man, there's no way of us catching this guy! He's too smart for us!" If he can stay in a hotel, couldn't he afford a bottle of whiskey from a convenience store?
Homes and house insurance!
WilliB
73 years old and violent crime? Wow, that is unusual.