Woman arrested for allegedly attempting to kill ex-husband with sword

A 55-year-old man has been arrested in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly attempting to run over a railway photographer during a confrontation at a railway crossing. The incident took place shortly before 5 p.m. Friday on the JR Kotoku Line, according to local police. The suspect, identified as a local resident, became involved in a dispute with a 19-year-old man who was photographing trains. The altercation reportedly began when the older man, from inside his vehicle, grabbed the younger man by the collar and then reversed his car, aiming to run him over. Fortunately, the victim was not harmed. The incident unfolded at a railway crossing where the 19-year-old, known among rail enthusiasts as a tori-tetsu, a term used for railway photographers, was capturing images of passing trains. According to police, the two men engaged in a verbal exchange that escalated into physical contact. The suspect, who initially denied the more serious charges, claimed he had only intended to scare the photographer by reversing his car. “I did grab him by the collar,” he told investigators. “I only reversed the car to scare him. He was in the way.” Multiple video recordings of the incident were shared online, providing evidence of the confrontation. These clips show the suspect pulling the photographer toward the front of his vehicle before moving backward, creating a dangerous situation. While the exact cause of the dispute remains unclear, the police have stated that the conflict appeared to stem from a disagreement between the two individuals. The suspect’s actions, however, led to a criminal investigation. Railway photography is a popular hobby in Japan, with many enthusiasts documenting train movements and station architecture. The term tori-tetsu refers specifically to those who capture images of trains, often from vantage points such as railway crossings. These photographers are sometimes referred to as “train watchers” and play a role in preserving visual records of Japan’s extensive rail network. The presence of such individuals at railway crossings is common, especially in areas where trains pass frequently. Local authorities have confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody following the incident. Police are currently reviewing the footage and conducting interviews with witnesses to determine whether the suspect's claims align with the recorded events. The case highlights the potential dangers faced by individuals who engage in activities near active railways, particularly when conflicts arise. It also underscores the importance of public awareness regarding safety protocols in such environments. In response to the incident, local railway officials have called for increased vigilance among both photographers and drivers. They emphasized that while railway photography is a cherished pastime, it must be conducted responsibly. “We urge all individuals using railway crossings to remain alert and avoid situations that could lead to accidents,” one official stated. Meanwhile, the suspect faces further legal proceedings, with charges potentially including attempted murder or assault. His court appearance is scheduled for the coming weeks.