Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 26, 2026, a man contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported his nephew allegedly drove onto his family's property while intoxicated, striking a large tent where his uncle and his 7-year-old grandson were sleeping, and then threw unopened beer cans during a confrontation. 

The suspect was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of not more than $300, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not to exceed $300, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

(Samoa News has withheld the names of the individuals involved to protect the identity of the minor involved.)

According to the court affidavit, police officers were dispatched to the Tafeta residence in response to the report. Upon arrival, officers met with the uncle, who provided investigators with an account of what had allegedly occurred.

The victim informed the authorities that his nephew (suspect) drove his vehicle up the driveway at an estimated speed of approximately 20 to 25 miles per hour. The vehicle allegedly struck an approximately 80-by-60-foot tent that had been set up near the area where he and his 7-year-old grandson were sleeping.

The victim further explained that he approached the suspect to address what had happened and the situation quickly escalated. The suspect exited his vehicle and began yelling profanities at him. 

The suspect also allegedly threw unopened cans of beer at the victim while he was still accompanied by his 7-year-old grandson.

The victim informed the officers that he was concerned about his nephew’s behavior because his grandson was present during the confrontation.

The victim also stated that this was not the first time the suspect had allegedly behaved in a similar manner, noting that police had previously been called to deal with his nephew's behavior.

After completing the initial interview, officers proceeded to the suspect's residence with additional officers assisting in the response.

The uncle had directed police to the residence, which is located on the same family land. Although the two men live on the same family property, they reside in separate houses.

As officers approached the suspect's residence, the suspect reportedly came outside and again began yelling in the direction of the victim.

Police then apprehended the suspect and placed him inside a police unit.

During the arrest, officers reportedly detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the suspect's breath. Officers also observed that his eyes appeared bloodshot.

While the suspect was being detained, officers spoke with the victim’s wife.

She told police that she did not personally witness the incident but heard loud noises, including the sound of tires screeching outside their residence.

The woman told officers that she became concerned for the safety of her elderly mother, who is bedridden and lives on the same family property.

She reportedly told police that she feared something could happen to her mother because the suspect had displayed similar behavior in the past when he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

The suspect was transported to the TPS for further investigation.

At the station, the suspect was placed inside the briefing room and was Mirandized. The suspect acknowledged that he understood his rights but refused to provide a statement concerning his alleged involvement in the incident.

He was subsequently booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility.

The matter did not end with the initial police report.

On July 27th, the victim submitted a signed letter to the Department of Public Safety further detailing what he claimed occurred during the confrontation. According to the letter, the suspect allegedly rushed toward him and his 7-year-old grandson after throwing the beer cans at them. The victim stated that the suspect fell down while allegedly rushing toward them. He also identified a caregiver as a witness who he said had observed the incident.

In his written statement, the victim said he felt threatened by his nephew's actions and expressed his desire to pursue criminal charges.

The case remains subject to court proceedings.

The defendant is identified as a 42-year-old citizen of Samoa.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on July 30, 2026.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

[Editor’s Note: An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court. It is not a court decision.]