SDF member among 5 youths arrested for attacking residential police box in Ibaraki

Thursday 08th May, 06:12 AM JST

IBARAKI —

Police on Wednesday arrested five youths, including an 18-year-old member of the Self-Defense Forces, for attacking a residential police box where a police officer and his wife live in Inashiki City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The 53-year-old police officer suffered slight injuries to his foot.

According to police, the five, who are aged in 16 to 18, were arrested for allegedly attacking the residential police box around 1 a.m. Wednesday. Police said the group was trying to help their friend who was being questioned by the police officer for allegedly launching skyrockets at the police box. Police say a 6th suspect is still on run and are searching for him.

The 18-year-old SDF member joined the service in April.

8 Comments

rjd_jr at 07:44 AM JST - 8th May

Looks like the SDF is going the route of the American military, recruiting those with less than stellar character.
Speed at 08:45 AM JST - 8th May

It's time to clamp down with a curfew!!
smithinjapan at 08:58 AM JST - 8th May

'Self Defense Forces', eh? I'm glad the police actually DID something about the kids launching bottle rockets at everything, instead of just pretending it isn't going on; but also goes to show you, even if the COPS question someone for illegal behaviour, a bunch of insane freaks are going to overreact (putting it mildly). No wonder everyone in Japan pretends not to see what's going on under their noses (unless it's someone in the American military, then EVERYONE is a witness).
Altria at 09:27 AM JST - 8th May

This article lacks information - how did they attack the police box, exactly? Throw stuff at it, storm inside with weapons...what?
huberts2 at 10:16 AM JST - 8th May

SDF Well there is always a bit more to the news than you can read on Japan Today but -- In my day, a long time ago, we new "SDF" members who "entered" ( loosely defined ) in 'April' stayed there for at least three months and didn't get out, on the basis that we had to get fit, and, particularly, find discipline and respect. I suspect that even the current day SDF has a similar programme so I wonder whether the news reporting is a bit loose.
brotokyo at 12:36 PM JST - 8th May

looks like the joint training sessions should stop--we're teaching them the wrong things.
electric2004 at 12:40 PM JST - 8th May

It is a little bit strange, that one of the 5 is one times a SDF member and still regarded as "youth". The adult age of 20 should be reduced to 18 so that SDF members are no longer regarded as youth. Or, other way round, 18 year olds should not be able to become SDF members.
timorborder at 03:44 PM JST - 8th May

Bit of assault training against a pillbox, sorry police box.