Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The government has charged a 26-year-old man with unlawful possession of illegal drugs and for trying to break into a house in Ottoville in December of last year. Uele Tagiloa made his initial appearance in court last month after he was arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant from the court.

According to the government’s case, a man informed police about a male who tried to break into a house in Ottoville by throwing rocks at the back door and also side windows on the night of Dec. 26, 2020 in an effort to gain entry into the house.

Several police officers responded to the call but were unable to locate the suspect. However, last month, the wife of the man who contacted police for the alleged burglary called the TPS on Nov. 14th, around 6:24p.m, saying the man her husband saw trying to break into a house in December of last year was seen at their neighbor’s house.

When police arrived, this time the witness identified the defendant, who was among other young men cleaning the yard of their neighbor. Police approached Tagiloa and asked him if he could come with them to the station to discuss an important issue.

While speaking with police, Tagiloa pushed the police officer away and immediately turned and ran away. A foot chase ensued with police and Tagiloa was later apprehended and transported to the TPS for questioning.

Prior to transportation, a body search was carried out during which police discovered small stamp-sized baggie containing green leaves inside Tagiloa’s right pocket. He told police that the drugs found in his possession were from a friend who lives in Vaitogi.

When asked about the alleged incident where he attempted to break into a store in the village, Tagiloa said he doesn’t know anything about that case and he was never involved in any criminal behavior last year.

When asked why he ran away when police approached him, Tagiloa smiled and said, “Because I got some illegal stuff in my possession when police approached me.”

Tagiloa, who has a long criminal history, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and attempted burglary in the second degree - all class D felonies, along with disturbing the public peace (PPD), a class B misdemeanor.

Tagiloa’s bond is set at $5,000.

If he posts bond, the court has ordered the usual restrictions, including he not set foot in the store he allegedly tried to break into and enter, and to not make any contact with the government's witnesses.