Gang leader arrested for letting driver who caused fatal car accident in Saitama drink and drive

Friday 14th November, 10:16 AM JST

SAITAMA —

Police on Thursday arrested a 50-year-old gang leader for letting his 34-year-old friend drink alcohol and then drive on Nov 3. The friend was later involved in a car accident that killed three people in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture.

Toshihiko Takeda, who heads a gang in Koshigaya City, was arrested for drinking with Naomi Shibazuka at a pub around noon. Police said Takeda knew that Shibazuka had come by car and that she was planning to drive home after the drinking session. Shibazuka crashed into two cars, killing three people.

13 Comments

romulus3 at 10:31 AM JST - 14th November

I am not sure what to make of that ruling. At what point does a friend become responsible for another's actions. Will they start arresting family members if someone throws them self in front if a train? She made the choice to drink and drive alone. If he had of detained her maybe the headline would read "former gangster arrested for detaining drunk woman".
Okisurfer at 11:11 AM JST - 14th November

The new Drinking and Driving Law in Japan make this a legal binding arrest. Its the same when they arrest the passengers and the owner of the establishment who serves the alcohol. I don't agree to it, but I think its a fair trade when it comes to all the knuckleheads drinking and driving like its cool!
romulus3 at 11:20 AM JST - 14th November

I don't agree to it, but I think its a fair trade when it comes to all the knuckleheads drinking and driving like its cool!

absolutely correct.
Spidey at 12:14 PM JST - 14th November

If I'm drinking with my buddy and we both get sh!t faced and he ends up driving, I'm held responsible!? Doesn't the fact that I'm under the influence also nullify any responsibilty?

Truly weird.

S
Alien2Japan at 12:21 PM JST - 14th November

or are they trying to find some reason to arrest the Gang leader???
techall at 12:50 PM JST - 14th November

If your out drinking with someone who may drive later, be sure to have someone witness you telling them "don't drive". Otherwise, you will be held liable under the new law.
Harry_Gatto at 12:54 PM JST - 14th November

This is a strange one, assuming of course that we have all the facts. Anyway, he is a gang leader so should be arrested, he must be guilty of something.
elbudamexicano at 01:36 PM JST - 14th November

Alien2Japan, yes! I would think it is safe to say that this scum bag yakuza, has done a lot more than just this crime and the police are using this horrible incident to get his punk ass behind bars!
nutsagain at 02:11 PM JST - 14th November

The law changed six or so years ago, making passengers and those that knowingly allow a DD to drive, culpable by default. It's both a good law and sensible. I support it. I don't believe the cops' action had anything to do with the lowlife's predilection to crime
Stonecoldsoba at 04:56 PM JST - 14th November

TJrandom, Harry, Elbuda,

She is the gang leader; he drove.
BBLeo at 06:16 PM JST - 14th November

This is pure stupidity from both men. They should be well aware what alcohol is doing to brain signals. Hope that both get life sentence, they desrve heavy punishment. 'IF YOU DRINK AND DRIVE YOU ARE AN IDIOT.'
nimbus at 03:49 AM JST - 15th November

The law changed six or so years ago, making passengers and those that knowingly allow a DD to drive, culpable by default. It's both a good law and sensible.

Everyone else in the pub who noticed that this person was drunk would also be subjected to arrest? Not sure if I can agree with that.