MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A group of about 20 Marines are being sought in connection with an incident aboard a local train Dec. 27.
The suspects are accused of harassing the train's conductor and two are accused of entering the conductor's compartment and attempting to interfere with the train's operation system.
According to a Provost Marshal's Office report, the incident occurred between 10:50 and 11:40 p.m. aboard a train from Iwakuni bound for Hiroshima.
The report states that the individuals harassed the conductor by periodically kicking and spitting their soft drinks onto the conductor's door. The conductor reported the individuals appeared to be intoxicated.
Two of the suspects then forced their way into the conductor's compartment and attempted to manipulate the controls of the train's operation system. The conductor, fearful that the individuals would tamper with the emergency brake, sounded a warning whistle and managed to frighten the suspects out of the compartment. When the train finally came to a stop at the Hiroshima station, all of the individuals departed the train.
The West Japan Railway Company, Hiroshima Branch, which owns the train, stated that they are concerned about an escalation of this type of misconduct aboard the passenger trains and also pointed out the danger such behavior poses. The company also said that railroad police are prepared to handle such offenders in a more severe manner to include immediate arrest.
The Provost Marshal's Office is currently working alongside their Japanese counterparts to find out if the individuals were in fact Marines and, if so, if they are from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.
"There are cameras at the train stations and right now we're looking into identifying the people getting off of the train at that time," said Investigator John F. Wolfe, PMO military police investigator. "We'll do everything in our power to help our Japanese counterparts."
Service members can rest assure that possible prosecution from local authorities will not be their only legal trouble if caught committing such disturbances, according to Lt. Col. Peter Collins, Station executive officer.
"Behavior of this sort is not only a detriment to the Marine Corps, but to the relationship which we have with our host country as well," said Collins. "Misconduct will not be tolerated and those responsible for such unacceptable behavior will be held accountable for their actions. We are guests in this country and will fully cooperate with the Japanese to see that individuals such as this do not go unpunished."
The incident is currently under investigation. Anyone who may have any information pertaining to the incident is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 253-3139.