Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Police arrested a man following an allegedly violent disturbance that occurred on the afternoon of November 29, 2025, at a residence in Malaeimi, according to the court affidavit filed in the District Court, December 12, 2025.

The suspect was later charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both; and,

Count 3: Resisting Arrest, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $500.

According to the affidavit, authorities received a call at approximately 3:25 p.m. regarding a man who was allegedly causing a public peace disturbance by shouting profanities and making threats to burn down the family home. The suspect was also accused of physically assaulting his stepfather and threatening another family member with a pocket knife inside the home.

Officers were dispatched to the scene and made contact with the suspect outside the residence. As officers approached, the suspect fled on foot, prompting a brief pursuit.

During the pursuit, a female family member reportedly intervened, urging officers not to harm the suspect and asking that the situation be calmed. Despite her efforts, the suspect continued to resist police commands.

With the assistance of additional officers, police were able to subdue the suspect and place him under arrest. He was then secured inside a police unit without further incident.

Following the arrest, officers conducted interviews with the victim and the reporting party. The victim told police that he could no longer tolerate the suspect’s ongoing violent behavior toward him, his wife, and their children.

According to the victim, a verbal argument escalated when the suspect pushed him to the ground. As the victim attempted to stand, the suspect allegedly struck him in the mouth with a closed fist. The victim stated that his wife intervened to prevent further physical harm and assisted him to their vehicle while attempting to contact police for help.

The reporting party told officers that earlier in the day, the suspect had slapped her grandson on the head after the child was asked to retrieve a tool from a storage area near the house. When she confronted the suspect about the incident, he reportedly became enraged and directed his anger toward her.

She further reported that after retreating into the house, the suspect approached her while holding a pocket knife. She stated that she yelled at him and attempted to prevent him from getting closer. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly threatened to burn down the house if the family left the residence.

The reporting party also stated that the suspect punched her husband while he was on the ground. She told police that the suspect’s violent behavior had progressively become worse and that she feared for the safety of herself, her husband, and her grandchildren.

She expressed concern that the family was not safe living with the suspect.

After completing interviews at the scene, officers transported the suspect to the Tafuna Police Substation for further investigation.

Upon arrival, the suspect was advised of his constitutional rights. Police said he acknowledged understanding his rights but refused to provide a statement or answer investigative questions.

Based on the information obtained during the investigation, the suspect was formally arrested and later transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was held pending his initial appearance in the District Court.

Police also documented visible injuries to the victim, noting swelling to his mouth that appeared consistent with the reported assault.

Authorities noted that the reporter, the victim, and the suspect all reside in the same household. The case remains under investigation.

[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. Under local law, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the court. ra]