May 29, 2018

The Okinawa Prefectural Police on May 27 arrested a U.S. marine stationed at Camp Hansen for accidental vehicular homicide.

According to the prefectural police, the accident occurred at around 2 p.m. on the day. A vehicle driven by the 21-year-old corporal crossed over into the opposite lane of a national road in Nago City and collided with a motorcycle, killing the 45-year-old male motorcyclist from Okinawa City.

Given that the marine was driving his own car, he was most likely off duty at the time of the accident. Concerning incidents caused by off-duty U.S. military personnel, victims obtain compensation through out-of-court negotiations with the person concerned. If the negotiation fails, the U.S. government will pay damages to the victims instead of the serviceperson who is responsible for the accident. However, many victims complain that the amount of compensation for damages is insufficient and that they have to wait a long time to receive the money.

Past related article:
> Family of woman murdered by US base worker still not compensated [April 27, 2018]