Akita Prefectural Police Traffic Division police officer arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after voluntary investigation

On the 6th, the Akita Prefectural Police's Yurihonjo Police Station officer was involved in an accident due to drunk driving, and on the 6th, the prefectural police announced that they had arrested Yasuto Sugao (38), 1-chome Yahashidagoro, Akita City, a sergeant at the Yurihonjo Police Station Traffic Division, on suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Act (driving while intoxicated). He admitted the charge, saying, ``There is no doubt that I drove the car while intoxicated.''

According to the announcement, Sugao is suspected of driving a light passenger car while under the influence of alcohol on a prefectural road in Uraozaki-cho, Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture around 11 p.m. on October 30. This was discovered after a single-person accident occurred when the vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and collided with a pole and guard pipe between the roadway and the sidewalk.

More than 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per liter of breath was detected. The exact amount of alcohol consumed is still under investigation, but it is believed that he worked until mid-morning after completing his shift that day, participated in a drinking party with his colleagues from around 6 p.m., and then drove alone after parting ways with his colleagues.

The scene is a straight road with one lane on each side in front of a convenience store. Sugao was rushed to a hospital in the city, but there were no injuries and he was discharged the next day. There were no injuries.

Prefectural police continued their investigation on a voluntary basis without making any arrests, as a doctor had determined that he needed to rest for a week. The suspect was arrested because he had recovered to a condition that allowed him to be detained and there was a risk of him escaping or destroying evidence.

Sugao is in charge of traffic enforcement and investigating traffic accidents. He has been working in the transportation department for a long time. Regarding drunk driving, he said, ``I am sorry for causing trouble to my family and workplace.''

In response to this arrest, prefectural police said, ``Drunken driving should not be an extremely dangerous act,'' and commented, ``We would like to proceed with the investigation strictly and clarify the circumstances and background of the violation of laws and regulations. We will take strict measures based on the results of the investigation.''