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Yokohama Rubber Factory Attack Suspect Sent to Prosecutors After 15 Hurt

Investigators are probing a claimed workplace‑grievance motive, signaling apparent preplanning.

Overview

  • Police identified the suspect as Masaki Koyama, 38, a former employee who was arrested at the scene after workers restrained him.
  • Koyama was transferred on Dec. 28 to the Numazu branch of the Shizuoka District Public Prosecutors Office on suspicion of attempted murder.
  • Fifteen male employees in their 20s to 50s were hospitalized, with at least eight wounded by a knife and several seriously injured but conscious at transport.
  • Investigators say the assailant used a survival knife and sprayed a bleach‑like liquid while wearing a gas‑mask‑type item.
  • The attack occurred around the day–night shift change, which police are examining as a possible targeted timing, and a knife believed to be used was recovered inside the plant.