ISTANBUL

A US soldier was arrested in the western Japanese city of Iwakuni for allegedly breaking into a local residence following a car accident while under the influence of alcohol, the Mainichi daily reported on Wednesday.

Levi Robert Ashton, a 21-year-old corporal stationed at the US Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, was detained by local police on suspicion of trespassing Tuesday night. Authorities believe Ashton may have fled the scene of the crash to avoid being caught for drunk driving.

The incident occurred around 12:20 a.m. (2120GMT) when Ashton allegedly entered the home of a 63-year-old man. Prior to the break-in, a car had crashed into a utility pole near the scene, and police received reports of a foreigner fleeing the accident site.

Ashton was located by police at the man’s residence, and an alcohol test revealed he was over the legal limit. However, Ashton denied the trespassing allegations, stating he does not remember entering the home.

Japan hosts more than 55,000 active US soldiers across 15 bases under a bilateral security pact.

Several incidents involving US military personnel, including sexual crimes, theft, and street fighting, have been reported in Japan.