Man barricades himself in Japan post office after allegedly firing handgun in hospital

Authorities in Japan’s Saitama prefecture on Tuesday (Oct 31) urged residents to exercise caution after a man was believed to have fired what appeared to be a handgun at a local hospital.

He then fled the scene in Toda city and travelled to nearby Warabi city, where he barricaded himself in a post office with several hostages.

Both cities are located in Saitama prefecture, which is near Tokyo. 

“There are reports that some people are injured,” said Toda city in a statement on X, adding that the incident happened at about 1.10pm local time. 

The man was described as being in his 40s or 50s and about 1.6m tall. He fled the scene on a motorcycle and was clad in a black jacket and pants, as well as a motorcycle helmet. 

Public broadcaster NHK said police were alerted to sounds resembling gunshots at Toda Central General Hospital.

The news agency quoted police as saying that two men – one in his 40s and another in his 60s – were injured but added that both were in stable condition.

In an update at about 3.25pm local time, Toda city said the man had barricaded himself at a post office, and urged members of the public to refrain from going out unless necessary.

“The culprit is carrying something like a handgun, so for your safety, if you receive instructions from a police officer near the scene of the incident, please evacuate by following the instructions of the police officer,” Warabi city in a statement on X.