Stabbing Incident​ and Arrest

Naoya ‌Yamaguchi,⁣ a 30-year-old ‍unemployed man, was arrested on suspicion‌ of attempted murder following a stabbing incident near ‍the Mizuho PayPay Dome⁣ Fukuoka on December⁣ 15, 2024. Investigative sources revealed Yamaguchi told⁣ police he was ⁢specifically ​targeting members of the idol group HKT48.

Yamaguchi is accused​ of attempting to kill a⁣ 44-year-old male staff member affiliated with HKT48, whose theater is located within a commercial facility ⁢adjacent to the⁢ dome. A second individual,a woman,also sustained ‌injuries in the attack.

Suspect’s Motive and Actions

According to police sources, Yamaguchi reportedly waited near a staff-only⁣ parking area frequently used by HKT48 members for photos posted ​on social media. ​Investigators are exploring ‌the possibility that ​he ⁢was lying in wait for the group members themselves.

The stabbing occurred ⁤shortly before 5:00 p.m. on Sunday,December 15,2024,in ‍an elevator hall within the dome’s parking facility. ‌ The ⁤incident began when the HKT48 staff ⁣member warned Yamaguchi ⁢that unauthorized individuals were not permitted in the area.‍ The staff member also informed Yamaguchi ​he would be banned from the⁢ premises if ​he continued ​to loiter, as⁤ he had been observed in‍ the same location the previous day.

Evidence and Investigation

Yamaguchi was ​apprehended early Monday,‍ December 16, 2024, while in possession of two knives, one of which bore bloodstains. A third ⁣knife⁣ was discovered in ⁢his car, which‍ was parked at the dome. ⁤Police steadfast Yamaguchi⁣ purchased a total of three knives on December 12, 2024, from a retailer in ‌fukuoka ‌Prefecture.