Self-Defense Force member arrested for headbutting student in Oita

A 26-year-old Ground Self-Defense Force member was arrested on the night of October 3rd on suspicion of assaulting a junior high school student with a headbutt on a sidewalk in Oita City. The suspect, identified as Sergeant Haruto Kawajiri, is assigned to the 41st Infantry Regiment at Beppu Garrison. Police report that Kawajiri allegedly headbutted a 15-year-old boy around 9 p.m., causing injuries including a cut lip. The suspect admitted to the act, saying "there is no mistake," and was found walking alone in a nearby shopping district after a witness reported the incident. Kawajiri had no prior acquaintance with the victim and had been drinking alcohol at the time. The Beppu Garrison stated it will fully cooperate with the police investigation and take strict action after confirming the facts.