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Tourist attacked in Managaha
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Posted on Feb 13 2001
Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine harm would come her way just by strolling around the beautiful white sand beaches of Managaha one bright Saturday morning.
But the unthinkable was, albeit, not entirely impossible after all, even on a paradise island. Last Saturday, a Japanese tourist was attacked by a 22-year-old Palauan male on the remote location west of the main Saipan island, usually flocked by tourists during weekends for a day of water sports and recreation.
According to police reports, the 28-year-old Japanese female tourist was walking around the island at around 9:30am when a man strolling opposite her grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground.
The victim landed on the sand area near Chief Aghurubw’s monument facing her abductor.
Department of Public Safety spokesperson Cecil Celes reported that the suspect, Regis Iyekar, a Palauan, punched the lady tourist on the mouth area about three times.
When she turned her head, she received another blow from the suspect on the right portion of her face and ear.
According to an interview with the victim through her translator, Ms. Celes said the victim had attempted to defend herself.
When the suspect tried to haul her from the ground by holding her arm, the victim then managed to break free from Mr. Iyekar’s grip.
The Japanese tourist ran as fast as she could to the information booth to seek for help.
From there, DPS boating safety officers were contacted for assistance.
Police immediately arrested Mr. Iyekar on charges of assault and battery and attempted kidnapping, after the suspect confessed to attacking the tourist.
Reports said that the suspect admitted to grabbing and punching the victim. It was not indicated if the victim was sexually abused.
When authorities transported the victim back to the marina, she was rushed to the hospital through an ambulance for treatment.
The Japanese tourist sustained lacerations to her facial area.
