US soldier arrested for drunk driving in Okinawa City
Early on the 30th, a second class sergeant in the U.S. Air Force was arrested by police on a road in Okinawa City on suspicion of driving under the influence.
As per NHK reports, the apprehended individual is Austin Thomas Lawton (28), identified as a US Air Force staff sergeant stationed at Kadena Air Base. Lawton is currently under suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on the 30th, on a city road near Gate Street in Okinawa City. A patrolling police officer observed Lawton, along with two other individuals, loudly entering a car parked by the roadside and driving away. Upon stopping the vehicle for investigation, it was confirmed that Lawton was the driver. Subsequent breath tests revealed an alcohol level exceeding three times the legal limit, leading to his immediate arrest. During police questioning, Lawton acknowledged the charges, stating, "There is no doubt that I drove under the influence of alcohol." However, he contested the classification of his actions as drunk driving, asserting, "I was able to operate the vehicle, so it does not qualify as drunk driving."
