Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On October 25, 2024, a female individual contacted the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) to report an alleged peace disturbance at her home.

The suspect was later apprehended and charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300 but not less than $150, or both; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree ( As a C Misd.) (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300 but not less than $150, or both.

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

According to the affidavit, on October 25th, at about 8:07 p.m., a female individual (later identified as the victim) called the FPS to report alleging that Harris Fitiao was disturbing the peace within her house.

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival, they met up with the victim who briefed the officers regarding the incident.

The victim then directed the officers to the bathroom to locate the suspect. The victim continuously pointed at the bathroom and stated that the suspect was sleeping right behind the pallet in front of the bathroom. The officers directed the suspect and placed him in the police unit to be transported to the FPS for further investigation.

Upon arrival at the station, the suspect was placed in the office while the officers went back to get a written statement from the victim.

According to the victim’s written statement, on October 25, 2024, she alleged she was at home having dinner with her kids. The suspect, who does not live with them anymore, came and took all the food. The victim explained that she scolded the suspect but he swore at her and told her to shut up.

She told him that she was going to call the police or her uncle, whereas the suspect told her that “the police were not allowed here”. The victim also claimed that the suspect threatened to kill her. She then tried to contact her uncle but the suspect tried to hit her and took her phone. As a result, she went outside and hid behind the bushes and contacted the FPS.

The victim also revealed that this is not the first time that the suspect has caused a disturbance within her house. She stated that she fears for her life because the suspect keeps coming to her place even though he does not live with them anymore.

The suspect declined to make a statement and was later booked to be transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 47-year old U. S National.