American Arrested Over Suspected Arson at Okinawa Hotel

Sep 02, 2026 | News On Japan

NAHA - Okinawa police have arrested a 32-year-old U.S. citizen on suspicion of setting fire to a lodging facility in Chatan and attempting to kill 18 guests who were staying inside, following a blaze that left one man seriously injured on August 15.

Police identified the suspect as Poseidion Alexander Roberson, a self-described company employee who was visiting Okinawa as a tourist. He was arrested on suspicion of arson of an occupied building and attempted murder.

Investigators allege that Roberson set fire to the lodging facility where he was staying at around 3:30 a.m. on August 15 despite knowing that other guests were inside, causing significant damage to the building.

A man in his 50s from Osaka Prefecture suffered injuries including burns to his airway and carbon monoxide poisoning. He temporarily lost consciousness and remains hospitalized with serious injuries, although he has since regained consciousness.

Police said they would not disclose whether Roberson has admitted or denied the allegations because doing so could interfere with the investigation.

Roberson had previously been arrested at the scene in the early hours of August 21 on suspicion of unlawfully entering a multipurpose facility in Toyama, Urasoe, without a legitimate reason.

Source: RBC NEWS

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