By David Allen and Chiyomi Sumida,
Stars and Stripes Pacific edition,

Friday, March 19, 2010 NAGO, Okinawa —

A Navy Humvee crashed into the back of a Japanese family’s car and left the scene Tuesday night, slightly injuring two children, according to Okinawa police. The sailor was later arrested by military police. The incident received broad coverage in local media Wednesday, coming at a time when the U.S. military and Japan have locked horns on basing issues on Okinawa.

The crash occurred at about 10:55 p.m. on Route 329 in the village of Henoko, near Camp Schwab, a police spokesman said Wednesday. According to the police report, the car’s driver, a 45-year-old Henoko man, had just pulled out from a local laundromat and was driving southbound when the Navy vehicle struck it and then sped away.

The man was not injured, but his 2-year-old son was treated for cuts to his forehead at a nearby hospital. His 10-year-old son had a bruised nose, according to the police report. Police said the compact car sustained major damage, including a crushed rear end.

A woman who was driving in the northbound lane reported the accident to police. She told them the Humvee continued heading south after the incident. About seven miles down the road, an abandoned Navy Humvee with a damaged front bumper and headlight was found parked with its engine still running, the police spokesman said.

According to a Navy news release, the driver of the Humvee was found nearby and arrested by military police.

More of the story

I wonder what the focus is like down there right now..

Can you just imagine the focus that would be going on if this happened here in Yokosuka?

Awesome. f-n wonderful. I'm moving to either London or Sydney when I'm done with the Navy.

The man was not injured, but his 2-year-old son was treated for cuts to his forehead at a nearby hospital. His 10-year-old son had a bruised nose,

In all seriousness, I hope those that were somewhat injured are doing okay.

Actually, I was serious. I'm sick and tired of seeing news articles about Americans doing stupid things out here.

What kills me about this story is the sailor just left. WHY? Did he not know he got in an accident, and didnt feel it? I am sure he did, and just was an idiot.

All this could of been avoided if he just THOUGHT FOR A MOMENT! hmmmm.. get out, do the traffic accident thing, or just speed off, and think nobody saw it....?

Well, you made the wrong decision dude.

Now you make the entire military image ruined, and 15,000 websites around the world blast your idiotic decision..

People dont realize these decisions impact a lot more than you think.

These are not great PR stories.. Stop being stupid, and follow the rules...

I agree completely. What kills me more is that people seem to come out here and get this invincibility mindset ingrained in them, go out and do things that they would NEVER do in the states, and the rest of us have to pay for their stupidity.

Damn woman drivers...the kids were in the front seat huh? No seat belts and all lol.

More of the story I left off: That incident drew fire from Okinawans because Gunn refused to be questioned by Japanese police and prosecutors and, under the terms of the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement, he was not handed over to Japanese authorities until he was indicted.

On Wednesday, an organizer for base opponents who have staged a sit-in at the Henoko fishing port for the past six years, said Tuesday’s incident showed a need for changing the SOFA.

“It seems every time an accident happens, servicemembers think as long as they can get back to a base they think they are safe,” said Hiroshi As**tomi. “And if this occurred during the driver’s duty hours, then, under the SOFA, the Japanese government has no jurisdiction. This is why we need the SOFA changed.”

I don't think we need a SOFA change. I just think we need another round of SAFETY STAND DOWNS. Because we all know that's what going to happen, and it's not going to do a damn bit of good.

Safety Stand Downs dont change idiots to non-idiots after a 1 hour lecture or speech..

All this would of been avoided if they just stopped and did what they were suppose to. This person made the choice. I dont feel sorry for him.

There are times I can of course see both sides to stories, but in this case, there is no other side..

This person is just a complete idiot for driving off the way he did.. I dont think this deserves a SOFA change either. Just punishment by the military to this person for making the wrong decision.

Dang, Prime, read the article again, lol.


I think this goes along the lines of "This is why we can't have nice things". This man's actions reflects on all of the Military in Japan, so thanks for being a prick, dude.

Wait wait on the stars and stripes page it said it was a woman driver...

Yep it was a FEMALE military driver who had also been consuming alcohol!? It has been all over the Japanese news tonight, every channel. And people wonder why when I go out I wont admit to working on a military base.......

I didnt read all that.. I only read this one story, but yes your right, there are several stories about it..

well that just adds to the fire now.. Idiot is now considered Drunk Idiot..

This now opens an entire new can of worms.. When you throw alcohol into the question, she must not of been on duty. If she was on duty, and also consuming alcohol, WATCH OUT...

So what is the real deal on this? Was she on duty, or not on duty?

I take that back, Prime man, then.

So she was drinking and driving a Military vehicle (and the journalist for this article totally screwed up, lol)!?????

Friggen' brilliant. Throw her to the sharks.

You just made my day Liz, not often in my life has a woman said sorry you were right lol.

Ha ha ha, I have no problem admitting I f**ked up. Soz for calling you out again.

...that's so wrong, but I totally know where you're coming from, lol.