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Cops discover meth after alleged drunken assault

American Samoa District Court building

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man accused of assaulting another man during a drinking session last week is now in custody after police allegedly found 2 small baggies containing illegal drugs and a glass pipe — also containing drugs — in his possession.

Nikolao Faapo made his initial appearance in District Court last month. He is charged with one count of unlawful possession of meth, a felony; and three misdemeanors: third degree assault; trespass; and disturbing the public peace.

Bail is set at $5,000.

If he is able to post bond, Faapo is ordered to remain law abiding, not attempt to leave the territory, and not make any contact with the government’s witnesses including the victim. Preliminary examination is next week.

THE CASE

On the night of May 20th, police were contacted by a businesswoman in Tafuna, reporting that one of her employees was being assaulted by a drunken man. Several police officers responded to the call and met up with the Asian businesswoman who requested police assistance.

When police arrived at the scene, a red truck parked in front of the store sped off heading westbound. Police were told by the business owner that the driver was the one who assaulted her employee.

The prosecution claims that earlier that evening, the red truck had pulled up in front of the store and two men were inside. The two men parked and started drinking in the back of the truck. They were identified as: the defendant, Nikolao Faapo, 35, and his friend.

One hour after the drinking session began, the duo started making loud noises and Faapo allegedly threw an empty beer bottle in the parking lot. A Samoan store employee then came out and told the two men to leave the premises because they were not allowed to drink there.

A few moments later, Faapo entered the store and approached the employee who instructed them to leave the premises and requested him (victim) to come outside because he wanted to discuss something with him.

The victim agreed and came outside and talked to Faapo. While the victim was trying to explain to Faapo the reason why he instructed them to leave, Faapo allegedly punched him twice in the face, causing him to fall down, before turned around and ran to his vehicle, and fled the scene with his friend before police arrived

When questioned, the victim told police he was surprised when the huge man threw hard punches at his face. He said he didn’t remember how many blows he took because he was trying to cover his face after the first punch landed on his jaw, causing him to fall down, while the man continued to assault him.

Faapo was apprehended by police at a restaurant in the Tafuna area, and transported to the Tafuna Police Substation for questioning. A body search netted two small baggies containing a white crystalline substance in his left pocket, and two glass pipes containing the same type substance  in his right pants pocket. The substances later tested positive for meth.

When asked about the drugs and glass pipes, Faapo told police he found the items in front of the store during their drinking session. He later admitted that he assaulted the man at the same store by punching and kicking his facial area and his back — after the man yelled out profanities at him and his friend.