Photo/Illutration The Okinawa prefectural police headquarters in Naha (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

GINOWAN, Okinawa Prefecture--A construction worker was arrested on Feb. 12 on suspicion of murdering a woman who was left lying on her back on a road where a taxi fatally hit her.

Katsuya Koja, 30, is accused of dragging Mayumi Tamaki, 58, to the middle of National Route 58 at around 2:05 a.m. on Jan. 27, shortly before the taxi ran over her, according to police.

Both the suspect and victim are residents of Ginowan, and they had been drinking together at a restaurant in the city.

Koja allegedly took the victim to the scene by taxi and pulled Tamaki, who was too weak to move, by her arms into the center of the road. It was unclear why she was in such a weakened state.

Tamaki had sought help from police about Koja on four occasions in January, complaining of physical violence and financial problems.

Police gave a verbal warning to Koja.

After Tamaki’s death, Koja was arrested on Feb. 1 on suspicion of intimidation in a separate case.

Police have not disclosed whether the suspect admitted to or denied the murder allegations.

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