A local district court issued Saturday a warrant to arrest a U.S. soldier on charges of raping a young Korean woman, citing concerns that he might flee the country.
The 21-year-old Army private, identified only as “K” who is assigned to the 2nd U.S. Infantry Division in Dongducheon, is accused of having raped an 18-year-old girl near his unit at around 4 a.m. on Sept. 24.
Prosecutors are expected to indict the American soldier soon.
She was watching TV alone when he broke into her house, according to the police. Police officers identified the American soldier through a surveillance camera installed near her house and informed the U.S. military of the case.
During questioning, the soldier, whose name was not revealed, told investigators that he couldn’t remember what happened because he was drunk.
According to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Korea has the right of trial for a crime committed by an American soldier off duty.
On Wednesday, the U.S. government promised to cooperate in the ongoing investigation. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell called Ambassador Han Duck-soo to express regret over the case and pledge full cooperation in the investigation.
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