Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 20, 2024, Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) received a call regarding a head-on collision involving two vehicles which injured children and a pregnant woman.

The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended and charged with:

Count 1: Reckless Driving Causing Bodily Injury, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both;

Count 2: Felony Driving, a class D felony punishable by imprisonment of not less than 90 days and not more than five years, a fine of $5,000, or both;

Count 3: Failure to Remain at the Scene of Accident-Injury, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both;

Count 4: Immediate Notice of Accident, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both; and,

Count 5: Prohibited Place of Consumption, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $15,000.

According to the court affidavit, on Dec. 20th, at approximately 8:08 a.m., FPS received a call regarding an accident that happened between the villages of Amaluia and Auma.

The investigation later revealed that Tausgafou Puaaniu (suspect) operated the vehicle traveling westbound whereas another individual (victim) was traveling in the opposite direction.

According to the victim, while he was approaching the curve between Amaluia and Auma, he saw the suspect’s vehicle speeding westbound on the eastbound lane. He then quickly slammed on his brakes, however, the vehicle continued straight towards his vehicle and collided head-on.

Furthermore, the suspect approached him and asked if they were okay and then fled the scene while leaving his vehicle behind. The victim stated that four passengers in his vehicle sustained serious injuries. The injured passengers were transported by the EMS to the LBJ Hospital for treatment.

The affidavit also stated that a beer can was observed in the middle cup holder and half way done inside the suspect’s vehicle. The bystanders who knew the suspect reported that the suspect returned to his residence in Se’etaga.

When the officers arrived at the suspect’s residence, he was nowhere to be found. However, the neighbors stated that they saw the suspect running towards the mountainside. One of the offices followed a fresh trail of footsteps up the mountain but returned for safety reasons.

The authorities followed up at the LBJ and were updated regarding the passengers’ injuries:

A 13-year-old female sustained a broken tibia and fibula on her right leg;

A 4-year-old had multiple facial lacerations on both arms and chest area;

A 33-year-old pregnant woman was admitted at the Maternity Ward; and,

 A 3-year-old child sustained multiple lacerations on his right arm and a serious laceration on his forehead and was admitted to the Pediatric Ward.

The suspect was later observed by one of his neighbors to have hopped inside a black aiga bus transporting StarKist workers. At 2;29 p.m., the bus seen and stopped by officers, who apprehended the suspect.

The suspect admitted to operating the vehicle and stated that he fled the scene because he was scared of getting beat up by the bystanders at the scene.

The District Court was contacted to check for any status on the suspect’s driver’s license.

According to the District Court clerk, the suspect’s driver’s license was suspended but was never turned in.

The suspect was booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility for confinement awaiting the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 31-year-old citizen of Samoa.