Tokyo Police Arrest Two Over Drunk Driving Incident Involving Modified Vehicle Disguised as Police Car

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving causing injury following an incident in Nerima Ward. According to reports from NHK News Japan on 21 May 2026, the suspect allegedly operated a modified passenger vehicle disguised as a plain-clothes police car, utilising flashing red lights and sirens while under the influence of alcohol. The vehicle was involved in an accident during the alleged offence.

The suspect is accused of driving the modified vehicle with emergency equipment activated, including red lights and sirens, without authorisation. In Japan, the unauthorised use of police equipment and impersonation of law enforcement officers are strictly prohibited under criminal law. The Metropolitan Police Department, known locally as Keishicho, is responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing these regulations within the capital.

A friend of the suspect has also been taken into custody. This individual is believed to have assisted in the modification of the vehicle to resemble a plain-clothes police car, a practice that violates regulations regarding the possession and use of police-style equipment. The specific charges against the accomplice have not been fully detailed in initial reports, though their involvement in the vehicle's alteration is central to the investigation.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious criminal offence in Japan, carrying significant legal penalties. The arrest underscores the strict enforcement of traffic laws and the prohibition of unauthorised emergency vehicle modifications. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and the extent of any injuries sustained, although specific details regarding the severity of the incident have not been released.

The Metropolitan Police Department has confirmed the arrests as part of an ongoing inquiry into the incident. The case highlights the legal boundaries surrounding vehicle modifications and the use of emergency signalling devices. As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on establishing the full extent of the suspects' actions and the compliance with public safety regulations.