Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On September 20, 2024, a male individual contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report that his brother allegedly threatened him with a machete because he was suspicious of him and his (defendant’s) girlfriend.

The defendant was apprehended and charged with Count 1: 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, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $500.

According to the affidavit, on September 20th, at around 9:50 p.m., a male individual called the TPS and reported that “his brother approached him and his friend with a machete and threatened to shoot them.”

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene they made contact with the reporter, who was also the victim.

The victim stated that he arrived home from work and the suspect approached him and challenged him to a fight. He (victim) explained that he was confused as to why all of a sudden his brother approached him in such a manner, and asked the suspect “what happened?” However, the suspect became more angry and walked towards him with a machete.

The victim stated he feared for his life and ran away from the suspect. He told the suspect that he was going to call the police but the suspect replied that “ he will shoot him and the police”.

Moreover, the victim also mentioned that his brother had called him earlier in the morning and accused him of having a relationship with his girlfriend. The victim said that he also threatened him on the phone, saying he was going to beat him up.

The witness (victim’s friend) was also present during the incident and confirmed the victim’s statement.

Police officers immediately apprehended the defendant and transported him to the TPS for further investigation.

Upon arrival at the police station, the suspect was Mirandized and consented to cooperate.

According to the suspect, he was suspicious of his brother having a relationship with his girlfriend.

It was also noted in the affidavit that the suspect had consumed alcoholic beverages and was intoxicated during the incident.

During the booking process, the suspect made a spontaneous remark that “he was joking when he said he was going to shoot the suspect and the police”.

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

The defendant is identified as a 23-year-old U.S National.