On May 31, the Okinawa police arrested on the spot a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, 25, for violation of the Road Traffic Act (driving under the influence of alcohol). The suspect is denying the charge, saying, “I thought I’d already sobered up.”

The allegation is that around 5:40 a.m. on May 31, the suspect drove his car under the influence of alcohol on a prefectural road in the Matsuo district of Okinawa City.  A Breathalyzer test indicated a level of alcohol about four times above the legal limit (0.15 mg per 1 liter of exhalation). According to the police, an officer on patrol noticed a car driving without the headlights on and questioned the suspect. Because the police officer smelled alcohol on the suspect’s breath, a Breathalyzer test was conducted, which revealed the offense.