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Man allegedly punches neighbor who won’t do his bidding

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ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 40-year-old man who is on probation for 12 months was arrested last month on the allegation that he assaulted his neighbor while he was intoxicated.

Vaega Toala made his initial appearance last week. He is charged with 3rd degree assault, trespass, resisting arrest, and public peace disturbance — all misdemeanors.

During his initial appearance, the court established Toala’s bond at $1,000. If he posts bond, the court has ordered the usual restrictions for being released on bond, including not to make any direct or indirect contact with all the government’s witnesses, and not setting foot at or near the victim and his family’s house.

Toala is accused of unlawfully walking onto a neighbor’s land and allegedly assaulting his neighbor by punching him in the face multiple times while he (Toala) was intoxicated.

According to the victim’s son, Toala became upset when his father did not do what the defendant wanted him to do. The victim and his family are neighbors with the defendant and there are times the defendant gave instructions to the victim for things he wanted the victim or his children to do. However, the victim instructed his children not to do anything Toala instructed them to do because he (Toala) is not the family Sa’o.

Last month, the assault occurred when Toala, who had been drinking, followed the victim and asked him why he stopped his son from doing what he instructed him to do. Toala had instructed the victim’s son to come and mow his grass because he didn’t have time to do it. The victim instructed his son not to obey Toala’’s instruction.

As the victim tried to explain his side of the story, Toala allegedly punched him in the face twice causing the victim to fall down. He then kicked the victim in his back and in the back of his head.

Two years ago, Toala was convicted of 3rd degree assault and endangering the welfare of a clild, both class A misdemeanors. He was placed on probation for 12 months subject to conditions that he not drink any alcohol or possess any illegal drugs, and he was to attend and complete an alcohol counseling program.

He was also ordered to be law abiding and to keep the peace with his neighbor. The court ordered Toala to serve a period of detention of 120 days and to pay a fine of $100.

On this matter, Toala is scheduled to appear in court on Apr. 17th for his pretrial conference.