Unlicensed 16-year-old joyrider confesses to hit-and-run in Saitama
SAITAMA —
Police said Thursday that the driver of a car which hit and seriously injured a 6-year-old boy in Saitama was an unlicensed 16-year-old joyriding with friends.
According to TV Asahi, the youth, who was driving with two friends, hit the boy at an intersection at about 4 p.m. on Oct 8. He then fled the scene before emergency services arrived.
Police said the youth turned himself in at a nearby police station on Wednesday afternoon. During questioning, he reportedly told police that he fled because he didn’t have a license, TV Asahi reported.
The victim sustained serious injuries for which he is currently being treated, but police say his life is not in danger.
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18 Comments
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0
JapanGal
A song should be written about Oh Saitama.
2
ratpack
I wish JT would follow up stories like these and let us know what punishment (if ever any) is given for these offences.
1
soldave
ratpack - Probably no follow up as no punishment is given. Just a pretty long, slightly lower than 45 degree bow and everything is forgotten.
So he fled because he didn't have a licence? I'm assuming if he had a licence, had stolen a car and hit someone he would have stayed then?
2
smithinjapan
ratpack: As do I. There won't be any punishment in this case, though. The kid's parents will pay roughly 500,000 in compensation money plus hospital bills and that'll be the end of it. The kid will be scolded and will hesitantly bow and say sorry, but that's it.
2
ExportExpert
Kid probably wont bow, he'll just shrug his shoulders and mumble some thing like kuss or simillar.
1
Jamie in Japan
I have a young neighbor who loves to joyride his bike at all hours of the nighttime and party late into the night and when I go to inform him that I can hear him and it's 2am and I need to get up at 6, he just nods his head, mumbles, "sorry," and the next night does the same thing. Maybe he is the culprit. Hope they both get jail time. Why is it that so many young boys don't understand common courtesy?
ExportExpert: Kuss? What does that mean?
2
Nessie
If he's not careful, some lawless brigand might just slash his tires. Not that I am suggeseting this.
0
It"S ME
Is it a kick-starter got a few ideas for those.
Let me know the type. ;)
0
BurakuminDes
I just hope the poor little boy is OK. Of course, this delinquent 16 year old needs some serious punishment - I'd suggest banning him for 20 years from holding any form of licence; a 2 year stretch in a children's prison; banning from attending any public schools and for his family to pay at least 10 million in compo to the poor kids family.
2
Christina O'Neill
They call it joy riding in Japan as well? There is no joy for those injured or killed by these young criminals A couple of years back it was rampant here in Ireland usualy in stolen vehicles or old bangers bought for as little as 50 Euro. People were injured and killed by them sometimes even the drivers and passengers as well. Increased Police survielance and ramps on the roads seems to have reduced the occuranceis to practicly zero Now the problem is boy racers in souped up cars competing against each other.Again increased survielance and more traffic cops are bringing this situation under control. Those perpetuating these criminal acts are no joy, but are potential killers
1
CrazyJoe
What kind of a bastard would lend a car to a 16 year old?
-1
soldave
Hang on a sec... what is everyone imagining by the word, "joyride". Just want to make sure we're on the same page here. As far as I know, in the UK it means basically a TWOC (taking without consent) of a car, but with no intention to keep or sell said vehicle. I.e. you cannot joyride your own vehicle.
0
Al Stewart
The guilt got to him. That is good that he turned himself in. But now what kind of punishment will stick.
1
aspergillus
if you're going to do something illegal, make sure you won't get caught.
1
Nicky Washida
What he did was a terrible thing, but kudos to him for digging deep and finding the honesty to turn himself in. There is good buried in there somewhere.
0
kurisupisu
No Gold Menkyo for this boy then........
0
Eimi Graham
Unlicenced? Of course he had to be. You must be 18 to get a driving licence here in Japan.
-1
Mirai Hayashi
At least he turned himself in...not many people do.
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