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Intoxicated man who caused a disturbance and ran from police gets probation

American Samoa District Court building
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man accused of causing a disturbance in his neighborhood on Oct. 12, 2018 entered into a plea agreement with the government last week in District Court.

Justin Alefa was originally charged with three misdemeanors: public peace disturbance, resisting arrest, and escaping from confinement.

But under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Alefa pled guilty to resisting arrest, a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.

With his guilty plea, Alefa admits that on the night of July 25, 2018 he disturbed the public peace at his Nuuuli neighborhood. He admits that he was intoxicated on the night of the incident, and he also escaped from police while he was under their custody.

According to court information, police received several calls from neighbors regarding Alefa, who was swearing at them and causing trouble in the neighborhood. One caller told police that Alefa was heavily intoxicated when he approached them.

When police went looking for Alefa in Nu’uuli, the defendant took off.

He was later located in his home.

When police escorted him outside, Alefa broke free and ran down the road.

Police were able to apprehend and escort him to the DPS Tafuna Substation, where Alefa complained of pain in his abdominal area and breathing problems.

Alefa requested medical assistance and EMS personnel showed up.

But Alefa requested further medical treatment at LBJ Medical Center and EMS transported him to the hospital, according to the government.

Police called ahead to notify LBJ security of the situation.

According to the government, upon arrival at LBJ Hospital, Alefa went on the run again — fleeing from the hospital before being treated by medical professionals,

He was later apprehended.

Both parties recommend a probated sentence without any jail time.

Alefa was sentenced to 6 months probation subject to several conditions.

He is to pay a $100 fine within 30 days, and remain alcohol and drug free.

The 15-day jail term is deferred based on good behavior.

Alefa is also ordered to secure gainful employment, and he is not to set foot on his neighbor’s property at anytime while he is on probation.