Kadena Air Base is shown in this file photo. (Stars and Stripes)
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — A U.S. civilian working for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service on Okinawa was arrested early Sunday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence after a two-car collision, AAFES said.
Japan Today reported the 24-year-old suspect was arrested after her vehicle collided with another at about 4:30 a.m. at an intersection near Kadena Air Base. The driver of the other car was taken to a local hospital, Japan Today reported.
A breath test indicated a blood-alcohol level four times the legal limit of 0.03, Japan Today reported, citing police, who said the suspect denied having consumed any alcohol.
AAFES said in a statement that the exchange was cooperating with Japanese police and U.S. military law enforcement, but referred further questions to the Japanese police, saying it would be inappropriate to comment on an active investigation.
The arrest follows incidents involving Americans that led military officials on the island to impose a curfew and enforce other liberty restrictions. The military had barred servicemembers on Okinawa from drinking alcohol off base and required they be on base by midnight in the wake of the slaying of a 20-year-old Japanese woman.
U.S. contractor Kenneth Franklin Gadson has been in Japanese custody since May 19, charged with illegally disposing of her body. He could face additional charges of murder and rape resulting in death. A monthlong period of unity and mourning was also imposed. It is due to end Tuesday.
Earlier in June, Petty Officer 2nd Class Aimee Mejia, 21, assigned to Fleet Activities Okinawa on Kadena, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after crashing into two cars and injuring two Japanese by driving the wrong way on Okinawa Route 58.