University Student Accused of Sniping BB Bullets at Train Passengers from Balcony

Passengers must have been very surprised. They were waiting for the train on the platform when they were shot at with plastic bullets (BB bullets). ……

On August 2, Komatsugawa Police Station of the Metropolitan Police Department arrested Kengo Naganuma, 24, a university student living in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, on suspicion of violating the Violent Activities Law (habitual assault). He allegedly shot a passenger on the platform of the nearest station with an air gun from the balcony of his apartment.

The alleged incidents occurred on both July 27 and the following day, July 28: “On the morning of the 27th, a woman in her 30s waiting for a train at Hirai Station on the JR Sobu Line was hit by four BB bullets in the back and lower neck, and on the morning of the 28th, a man in his 60s at the same station was hit once in the left shoulder. When station staff checked the platform, they found about 80 BB bullets.

Based on eyewitness reports from passengers, the suspect Naganuma was found to have committed the crime. The suspect admitted to the investigation, saying, “There is no doubt about it. When the police searched the room of Naganuma’s apartment, they found eight air guns and several thousand BB bullets,” said a reporter from a national newspaper.

The apartment where Naganuma lives is about 40 meters away from Hirai Station. Naganuma is believed to have been shooting at passengers from his balcony. The photographer for this magazine photographed the suspect Naganuma being sent to the station. His brow was furrowed and he appeared to be glaring at the press.

The motive for the crime was appalling. He told the police, “I wanted to shoot people.

I wanted to shoot people. I wanted to see their reaction. I did it many times.

On July 21 and 26, passengers reported to station staff that they had been shot at Hirai Station. The police believe that Naganuma may have committed additional crimes and are investigating.