LOCAL PARIAH

Navy Bans Drinking in Japan Amid DUI Scandal

Locals outraged after U.S. sailor caused car crash.

The U.S. Navy has banned its personnel in Japan from drinking alcohol after a sailor was arrested for allegedly driving drunk. A 21-year-old, identified as Aimee Mejia, prompted public outrage in Okinawa on Sunday after causing a multiple-vehicle collision. Mejia was arrested by authorities after driving the wrong way on a freeway and crashing into two other vehicles. Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga condemned the incident and said misbehavior by U.S. military personnel was a recurring problem that requires a “fundamental resolution.” U.S. Navy authorities reacted promptly, issuing a ban early Monday on drinking both on and off base. The order also prohibits personnel from coming and going from the base as they please.