Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 23, 2026, a victim of domestic violence called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) to report her husband was causing a disturbance in her home.

The defendant was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class B misdemeanor, a penalty enhancement by one class above the class otherwise provided (class C misdemeanor);

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class B misdemeanor, a penalty enhancement by one class above the class otherwise provided (class C misdemeanor);

Count 3: Resisting Arrest, a class A misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 4: Trespass (DV) (Enhanced), a class A misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, Lesina Curry (reporter/ victim) contacted the FPS to report that her husband, Harris Fitiao (suspect) was causing a disturbance at her residence in Fagaalu. Police responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene, observed a distressed female standing in front of her front yard, who was later identified as Lesina.

Upon approach, Lesina briefed police about what was happening. She noted that the suspect was forbidden to be at the house, due to his ongoing reckless behavior. However, he had turned up her house, and stood in front of her front yard and was making unreasonable noises and yelling profanities towards her and the kids. She stated that his speech was slurred and he was possibly intoxicated.

She said that approached the subject with her kids and told him to leave the premises, but Fitiao refused. Lesina further stated that she refused his request to carry their 3-month old baby, and Fitiao became angrier and punched the handle of the baby stroller while the baby was inside it. The victim's 22-year-old daughter Malia Curry then confronted the suspect of why he did that, but the suspect got hostile and yelled profanities at Malia.

At this point, Fitiao grabbed a rock that was on the side of the concrete near the bushes and started threatening the victim and accused her of having sex with another man.

She immediately contacted the FPS in need of police assistance. She stated that the suspect ran off to the east to the public road that leads to LBJ hospital.

Police tried to find the suspect but he was nowhere to be found. The search was called off. However, Lesina called the FPS later to say that Fitiao had showed up at the residence again and was standing on the front side and was continuing his hostile actions towards them.

Police arrived on the scene and tried to apprehend the suspect, but Fitiao refused to stay in place, and despite demands by police to stay where he was, he ran off. The police pursuit was unsuccessful, with the suspect last seen fleeing near the river heading towards the mountain.

At the time, the affidavit was filed, Fitiao was still at large.

The defendant is identified as a 48-year-old citizen of Samoa.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on March 25, 2026.

[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.]