Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 5, 2025, the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) received a call from a father requesting assistance regarding his son who was allegedly causing a disturbance after his parents refused to give in to his demands.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both; and,

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $300.

According to the court affidavit, on Mar. 5th, at around 7:51 p.m., police officers patrolling the road received a call from the FPS dispatcher regarding a male individual (later identified as the victim) requesting assistance.

The victim reported that his son was being aggressive towards him, making loud noises and yelling profanities in Samoan. After receiving the information, police officers proceeded to the call and upon arrival at the scene they met up with the victim who looked like he was in distress.

The victim later identified his son as Morris Ah-Ching (suspect). He explained that the suspect had left with his younger son to drop him off at his friend’s house and the officers proceeded to locate the suspect.

The victim also briefed the officers and stated that his son got agitated when he asked to use the car so he could go to his friend’s house. He further stated that the suspect was being aggressive towards him when he told him “no”. The suspect then started making unreasonable noises and yelled profanities in Samoan. He further challenged him to a fight, but his wife intervened and tried to calm her son down.

Police officers met with the suspect’s mother and she verbally stated that every time her son asked them to do something and they didn't do it, that's when he starts to retaliate and cause a disturbance. She added that this has been an ongoing situation with her son ever since he started hanging out with his new friends.

After interviewing both parties, the suspect was placed inside the police unit and transported to the station for further investigation.

On Mar. 5th, at around 8:39 p.m., the suspect was Mirandized to which he understood his rights and refused to answer any questions or make a statement.

Morris Ah-Ching was booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court and to prevent further breach of the peace.

It was also noted that the suspect lives in a small one-story house close to his father’s house. The father confirmed what his wife told police, saying that sometimes, his son comes over to his house and if he and his wife don’t do what he wants then he causes a disturbance.

The father stated that he fears for his life and the last incident happened a month ago where his son punched him in his face and challenged him to fight.

Morris Ah-Ching also has a pending criminal matter filed in January of this year. An initial appearance was held and the matter was transferred to the Family, Drug, and Alcohol court division of the High Court.

The defendant is identified as a 23-year-old U.S National.