Japan: Gunman kills construction worker, injures three others

According to the reports, the gunman was the son of the construction firm owner and was an acquaintance of the victims.

The miscreant who allegedly shot dead a construction worker and injured three other people in Japan is absconding, said police on Monday.

According to The Yomiuri Shimbun daily, the gunman was the son of the construction firm owner and was an acquaintance of the victims. He was armed when he fled in the western city of Wakayama and is believed to still carry the weapon.

The mishap happened during a meeting when the accused open fired inside the company office. The deceased, who have been identified as 45-year-old Junsuke Ishiyama was shot in his stomach. He was declared dead upon his arrival to the hospital.

The three wounded are also being treated in the hospital, said police.

Local officials in Wakayama have issued a warning and urged residents to stay indoors. A massive police manhunt has also been launched.

According to Agence France-Presse, a police spokeswoman said, "We're still investigating who and where he is." The motive for the shooting is still unknown, she added.

Gun violence is extremely rare is Japan as there are strict firearm control laws. In 2015, there have been just eight reported gun crimes in the country.

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