Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On September 29, 2024, police officers responded to a call from a local bar regarding a male individual who was allegedly causing a disturbance.

Tanielu Afuola was apprehended and charged with:

Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both; and,

Count 2: Resisting Arrest, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $5,000.

According to the affidavit, on September 29th, at around 1:44 a.m., one of the police officers verbally stated that he, along with other officers, responded to a call from the bar in Tafuna.

Upon arrival, they observed a male individual, later identified as Tanielu Afualo, shouting profanities in Samoan while security guards were trying to calm him down.

One of the officers approached the suspect in an effort to de-escalate the situation whereas the suspect turned towards the officer and continued yelling profanities and attempted to punch him.

In response, the officer restrained the suspect who resisted arrest. More officers assisted and were able to successfully apprehend the suspect and take him into custody.

Upon arrival at the station, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the suspect.

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