Former Gang Member Arrested Over Deadly Kobe Shootings
KOBE –
A 79-year-old former gang member was arrested on September 30 following two shootings in Kobe that left one man dead and another seriously injured, with police investigating the possibility that the suspect acted alone rather than as part of a conflict between organized crime groups.
Footage taken shortly before the arrest shows the suspect, Naoto Kametani, standing calmly with his hands clasped behind his back at the scene of the second shooting in Hyogo Ward.
Kametani was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the shooting of a 54-year-old man in Hyogo Ward. The victim was seriously injured after being shot inside a parked vehicle in Aratacho.
The first shooting occurred at around 1:15 p.m. on September 30 on a street in Sakaguchidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, where a 58-year-old company executive from the city’s Higashinada Ward was shot and killed.
Approximately 15 minutes later, the 54-year-old man was shot inside a vehicle parked in Aratacho, Hyogo Ward, leaving him seriously injured.
Investigators said Kametani was inside the parked vehicle with the 54-year-old victim when the second shooting occurred.
Police believe Kametani was acquainted with both victims and are examining the circumstances surrounding the two attacks.
During questioning, Kametani admitted to the attempted murder allegation, reportedly telling investigators, “That is correct.” He has also made statements suggesting his involvement in the fatal shooting in Chuo Ward.
Although Kametani is a former member of an organized crime group, investigators have so far found no information indicating that the shootings were connected to a dispute between rival gangs.
Police believe Kametani carried out the attacks alone and have seized a handgun believed to have been used in the shootings.
Investigators are continuing to examine the motive and sequence of events, including the relationship between Kametani and the two victims, to establish what led to the shootings at the two locations in Kobe.
Source: suntv-news(Hyogo,JPN)
