Japan urged U.S. forces to enforce Okinawa's overnight curfew after a Marine was arrested during restricted hours, adding pressure following another Marine's indictment in a fatal robbery case.
Police arrested Kalvin Montoya Cardona, 21, a corporal assigned to Camp Hansen, early Oct. 31 in Okinawa City on suspicion of drunken driving, The Independent reported, citing local media. Okinawa Prefectural Police said a breath test found his alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. Police said they would investigate whether Cardona was involved in a reported hit-and-run.
U.S. forces in Okinawa began a 30-day curfew on Oct. 9, running from midnight to 5 a.m. Japan Standard Time (3 p.m. to 8 p.m. UTC the previous day). It followed the Oct. 4 arrest of Lance Cpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, who was later indicted on one charge of robbery causing death in connection with Anna Yagi's killing. Ballard denies the allegations.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Monday that Japan had asked U.S. officials to strengthen discipline, prevent further incidents and ensure the curfew was observed. He said senior officials from both countries were discussing measures and that he wanted them to reach conclusions quickly so agreed steps could be announced and put into effect. Koizumi gave no date for a decision.
