Police arrested a 30-year-old unemployed man from Itoshima City on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing incident near Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka City on December 14. According to investigators, a 44-year-old male staff member connected to an HKT48-related event was attacked shortly before 5 p.m. in an elevator hall of the dome’s parking facility. Staff had been on alert after reports of fans waiting nearby, and when the suspect was asked to leave the area, he allegedly sprayed the man in the face before stabbing him in the chest, causing serious injuries. A short time later, a 27-year-old woman visiting from Okayama for a live performance was stabbed in the back near an escalator at an adjacent commercial facility, suffering minor injuries. Both victims were taken to hospital and survived. The suspect fled but later contacted police from a public telephone in Kasuga City and identified himself. Police said he admitted intent to kill the male victim. Two knife-like blades and three spray canisters, believed to include tear gas and insecticide, were seized from his bag. Authorities are investigating the attack on the woman as attempted murder and examining possible premeditation. Source: KBC / RKB
Photo: Fukuoka Now, for image purposes only
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