Question from a reader:
A man with a knife suddenly chased me in the streets and seemed about to attack. When I shouted, “Fire!” the people around me helped, and the perpetrator fled. It seems he also discarded the knife, but he only had 216 yen on him and no identification. The police repeatedly asked if he had the knife, and
while discussing the damage to my bike, they also asked for my driver’s license and phone number. It feels like the police are trying to handle this gently. Perhaps because the damage was minimal, the perpetrator seems to have been released quickly. Is this really how things work? I feel this could be advantageous for criminals. The police won’t explain their reasoning, and I wish they would take stricter action. What should I do?

A Dangerous Experience in the Streets and Legal Perspectives

Hello everyone! Today, I want to discuss a rather heavy topic. Recently, I heard a shocking story from a friend who was chased by a man with a knife in the streets. It’s a terrifying tale, isn’t it? He shouted, “Fire!” to attract the attention of those around him and was fortunately rescued, but he has doubts about the police’s response afterward. This made me think as well. Today, I will talk about the legal perspective on such incidents and the measures victims should take.

Background of the Incident

First, let’s hear a bit more detail about my friend’s story. Being chased by a man with a knife in the streets is something unimaginable in ordinary life. He was saved thanks to the people around him, but what would have happened if no one had been there? Just imagining it is terrifying.

Moreover, the fact that the perpetrator only had 216 yen and no identification is quite puzzling. Legally, how are such cases handled?

Looking at the Incident from a Legal Perspective

First of all, the act of chasing someone with a knife is clearly a crime. Whether for intimidation or with the intent to actually attack, actions that pose a danger to others can lead to charges of assault or threats. However, the fact that the perpetrator was released quickly raises questions about the application of the law.

Police Response and Its Reasons

The police repeatedly asked if he had the knife to gather evidence. However, the quick release of the perpetrator, just because the damage was minimal, certainly raises doubts. Under Japanese law, for minor crimes, if it is determined that the perpetrator is not likely to reoffend, they may be released shortly after arrest.

This is due to the law prioritizing the rights of the criminal over the feelings of the victim. It is natural for victims to think, “I wish they would take stricter action.” However, there are limits to the application of the law, and not all cases will result in severe penalties. This presents a significant dilemma.

Measures for Victims

Now, if I were to find myself in a similar situation, what should I do? First and foremost, it is crucial to prioritize your safety. Shouting “Fire!” to attract the attention of those around you can sometimes be a very effective method. However, if there are safer alternatives, those should be considered.

Specific Measures

1. Check the safety of your surroundings: If you encounter a dangerous situation, escaping is the most important thing. If there are people around, seek help from as many as possible.

2. Contact the police: Once you are safe, contact the police immediately. Follow-up actions are important.

3. Preserve evidence: If possible, recording the incident with photos or videos can also be helpful. Having evidence can facilitate the police investigation.

4. Mental care: After being involved in an incident, don’t forget about mental care. Talking to friends or family can help lighten your feelings.

Conclusion

A dangerous experience in the streets can happen to anyone. I often think, “What if I were the victim?” It’s important to consider what to do in such situations, even if just a little, ahead of time.

You may feel doubts about the police’s response, but there are reasons behind the law. What we can do is protect our own safety and cooperate with those around us. Moving forward, I hope we can continue to think about what we can do to create a safer society.

So, everyone, please stay safe and enjoy your days!