Sagamihara high school student dies after suspected vehicle chase and assault

Police in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, are investigating the death of a 17-year-old high school student, Setsuna Shimizu, who may have been assaulted following a vehicle chase.

On the early morning of August 22, Shimizu was found unconscious on a rural road. He was transported to a hospital but was confirmed dead on August 24. Investigators noted head injuries and found a motorcycle at the scene.

Reports indicate that Shimizu and three other teenagers were traveling on two motorcycles when they were pursued by a dark-colored passenger vehicle. Witnesses or acquaintances suggest that individuals in the car caught up to the group and assaulted Shimizu and another male, the latter of whom reportedly sustained minor injuries.

Security camera footage from the vicinity captured a dark car driving closely behind the motorcycles shortly before emergency services were called. Police are currently searching for the vehicle involved and are conducting a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.