Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Police are investigating an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred Tuesday afternoon, December 8, 2025, at a residence in Pago Pago, where a woman was reportedly assaulted inside her home by her former boyfriend,i (the suspect).

He was later charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, 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: Trespass (DV), 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 $2,000.

According to the court affidavit, filed in the District Court on Dec. 9, 2025, police received a call at approximately 3:26 p.m. reporting that a man had assaulted and threatened a woman at her residence.

Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene and arrived about ten minutes later. Upon arrival, officers observed the victim standing in front of her home in an apparent state of distress. Police described the woman as crying, shaking, and appearing physically exhausted. Officers approached the victim and conducted an initial interview at the scene.

The victim told police that her former boyfriend arrived at her residence unexpectedly and entered the home without her consent. She stated that she had previously told him not to come to her home, citing past abusive behavior during their relationship.

According to the victim, the suspect entered the residence while she was briefly outside the garage area attending to household chores.

The victim reported that once inside the home, Fereti became angry when she demanded that he leave. The confrontation escalated, and he allegedly struck her on the back of the head with a closed fist. At the time of the incident, the victim’s 10-month-old niece was reportedly inside the living room in a walker.

Police said the victim screamed for help following the alleged assault, prompting a bystander to contact emergency services. The suspect reportedly fled the scene before officers arrived.

The incident is said to have taken place inside the living room of the residence.

Officers reported that the victim later provided a written statement detailing the events leading up to the alleged assault.

During the interview, the victim gave police a description of the suspect and stated that he fled eastbound toward the mountain area. Officers conducted a search of the surrounding area in an attempt to locate the suspect but were unsuccessful.

Police also documented visible injuries to the victim. Officers observed a large lump on the back of her head, which they noted appeared consistent with her account of being struck.

No arrests were made at the scene, and the suspect remained at large at the time of the report.

The matter remains under investigation, and police did not immediately release additional details.

The defendant is identified as a 36 year-old U.S national.

[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]