Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A male individual was arrested by police last month for assaulting his male cousin at his cousin’s house during a verbal altercation. However, during his arrest, cops discovered drugs in his possession.

 Alapati Wayne made his initial appearance in court last month via virtual zoom session. He’s charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and assault in the second degree, both felonies, along with trespass and public peace disturbing, both misdemeanors.

Bail is set at $10,000.

THE CASE

It was around 1:35p.m, Friday afternoon, Mar. 4, 2022 when the TPS received a distress call from a man in Puapua requesting police assistance because his nephew (defendant) was causing a disturbance at their home by shouting profanities and making unreasonable noises and assaulting his son (victim). The father further stated to police that his nephew (defendant) had a knife in his possession and that he had just pointed the knife at his son’s neck

Several police officers responded to the call and talked with the father who reported the matter. The father told officers that his nephew (defendant) had fled to the bush near their home.

Police officers with their firearms drawn proceeded on foot in the direction where the defendant had fled. The search for the defendant lasted 40 minutes before police discovered him about 70- 80 yards away from the victim’s home. Police discovered the defendant had concealed the knife in his left side pocket with his shirt covering it when police apprehended him.

The defendant was transported to the TPS for questioning regarding the alleged incident. After being Mirandized, the defendant responded that he understood his rights and wanted to make a statement regarding the incident.

He told investigators that he was furious at his cousin (victim) because the victim came inside their house and scolded his mother and told his mother to leave the land. The defendant confirmed that the incident started because he had a verbal altercation with the victim at the victim’s house. He also confirmed that he threatened the victim with a knife.

Before the defendant was transported to the TPS for questioning, he was patted down for weapons. During the body search, officers discovered two small stamp-sized baggies inside his pocket, containing a green leafy substance.

When asked about the green leafy substance, the defendant told investigators that he got the drugs from a friend from Vaitogi.

The green leafy substance was tested using the Levine Duquenois test kit which revealed positive results of THC, the active compound in marijuana.