TOKYO – The U.S. military has confirmed Japanese media reports that a Marine is facing theft and assault accusations following a weekend incident in Tokyo.



Lance Cpl. Kahsai Hill, 21, was taken into custody Saturday by Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of robbery resulting in bodily injury after he allegedly punched a taxi driver in the face after not paying his approximately $7.40 fare, according to Kyodo News agency.



The incident happened at about 5:45 a.m. in front of a Shinjuku hotel, the report said.

Hill is also suspected of causing serious injuries to a 19-year-old female member of the Japan Self-Defense Force after allegedly strangling her and breaking her jaw in a fast-food restaurant that he entered while running away, according to investigators quoted by Kyodo.



“I don’t remember. I don’t want to talk until I consult a lawyer,” Hill told police, according to the report.



Tokyo Metropolitan Police officials declined to comment on the case Wednesday.



“We are aware of an alleged theft and assault by Lance Corporal Kahsai Hill with 3rd Marine Division in Tokyo, on May 25th,” III Marine Expeditionary Force spokesman 1st Lt. Jose Uriarte said in an email Wednesday.



“The Marine Corps expects its members to act in a professional manner at all times and does not tolerate criminal behavior,” he said. “We are cooperating fully with local authorities in their investigations and are unable to share further information at this time.”



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