Bear Spray Deployed at Japanese Post Office, 5 Hospitalized; Vietnamese Man Arrested, Claims Accidental Discharge

(Taipei, July 2) A 20-something Vietnamese man was arrested today by local police in Nagoya City on suspicion of forcibly obstructing business after allegedly deploying bear spray inside a post office yesterday. Police stated the suspect claimed, "I accidentally pressed the spray nozzle."

According to reports from Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) and Agence France-Presse (AFP), yesterday morning, at the Nagoya Nagare町 Post Office in Naka Ward, Nagoya City, a citizen reported, "Someone sprayed bear spray, and many people are feeling unwell."

Eight men and women, aged between their 20s and 50s, at the scene experienced symptoms such as sore throats. Five of them were rushed to the hospital for treatment, none of whom were in life-threatening condition.

Police subsequently reviewed surveillance footage to investigate, identifying a 22-year-old Vietnamese suspect, Huynh Nhat Duy (phonetic transliteration), residing in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture. He was arrested today on charges of forcibly obstructing business (威力業務妨害).

Police added that the suspect was with a friend near the automated teller machine (ATM) area of the post office at the time. Footage showed that the suspect did not intentionally spray anyone.

During questioning, the suspect confessed to the act, stating, "It was indeed me, but I accidentally pressed the spray nozzle at the time."

Police are currently conducting further investigations into the purpose of his possession of the bear spray and the detailed circumstances of the entire incident. (Translator: Li Jing / Editor: Hong Pei-ying) 1150702

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