Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 19, 2025, a woman called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report a man who was allegedly causing a disturbance and threatening to hurt his wife.

The suspect was later apprehended 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;

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both; and,

Count 3: Property Damage in the Third Degree (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $500.

According to the court affidavit, on Feb. 19th, at around 11:57 p.m., a woman (later identified as the reporter) contacted the TPS claiming that Penehuro Siaki (later identified as the suspect) was allegedly disturbing the peace. The reporter also alleged that the suspect damaged property belonging to his wife.

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene, they observed a man and a woman standing near the road who directed them to the location of the incident. The woman was later identified as the reporter.

As the officers exited their police unit and approached the residence, individuals in the area shouted that the suspect had fled the scene. The witnesses pointed to where the suspect had run behind the house. Police officers immediately pursued the suspect and apprehended him near the Paradise Pizza restaurant in Nu'uuli.

Meanwhile, other officers proceeded to interview the reporter who provided a detailed statement regarding the incident.

According to the reporter, the suspect arrived home intoxicated and got into a heated argument with his wife (later identified as the victim). The reporter explained that they were getting ready to sleep and when she heard a loud noise from the next room. When she went outside to investigate, she observed the suspect “shouting profanities in Samoan and displaying aggressive behavior.”

She explained that she witnessed the suspect trying to strike his wife whereas she intervened and stopped him. She escorted the victim to her room while the suspect continued to damage their properties in the room.

Moreover, the reporter stated that the incident was part of an ongoing pattern of behavior between the suspect and her cousin (victim). She also noted that this is not the first time such an occurrence had taken place.

The reporter later provided a written statement confirming the details.

Authorities also interviewed the victim where she explained that the altercation occurred because “the suspect was upset over food”. She stated that they returned from his house in Tafuna and he asked for food but she did not give him any. The victim claimed that these incidents happened frequently, especially when the suspect was intoxicated. He would often threaten her and say he could harm her.

Police officers also spoke with the members of the household and then proceeded to the TPS with the suspect who was in custody.

Upon arrival at the station, while the suspect was being Mirandized he attempted to bribe the officers by offering money in exchange for his release.

Officers proceeded to Mirandize him, and he refused to waiver his rights.

The suspect was later booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility until the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 26-year-old citizen of Samoa.