Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 26, 2024, the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a call from a distressed mother reporting her son who allegedly assaulted his wife and son.

The suspect fled taking his wife with him, and was later charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV) with Penalty Enhancement, a class C misdemeanor but with a penalty enhancement by one class above the class otherwise provided (class B misdemeanor) if found guilty, punishable by imprisonment for six months, a fine of $500, or both;

Count 2 & 3: Assault in the Third Degree (DV) with Penalty Enhancement, a class A misdemeanor , but with penalty enhancement by one class above the class other provided ( class D felony) if found guilty, punishable by a term imprisonment for up to 5 years, a fine of $5,000, or both; and,

Count 4: Felonious Restraint (DV) with Penalty Enhancement, a class C felony but with a penalty enhancement by one class above the class otherwise provided (class B felony) if found guilty, punishable by imprisonment of not more than 15 years and ot less than 5 years, a fine, or both.

There was no set bail for the defendant.

(Samoa News withheld the names of those involved to protect the identities of the — wife and minor — involved in this case)

According to the court affidavit, on Dec. 26th, at approximately 8:00 p.m., a male (later identified as the suspect) physically assaulted his wife (victim #1) by punching her in the mouth. The suspect also allegedly assaulted his son, a 14-year minor (victim #2), by punching his mouth twice with a deodorant spray can.

The suspect’s mother contacted the TPS and reported the alleged assault. Police officers proceeded to the scene and observed that the suspect’s parents were frustrated and disappointed about what had happened.

They also observed victim #2, the minor, with a slight cut on his upper lip. The officers interviewed the reporter (suspect’s mother) and victim #2 regarding the incident.

Victim #2 stated that he heard his parents verbally arguing inside their room. His father punched his mother’s mouth so he entered the room and tried to stop his father from assaulting his mother. However, his father hit him twice in his mouth with a deodorant spray can. At this time, his grandmother opened the room and yelled at the suspect to stop. The minor was later treated by the EMS for his injuries.

According to reporter’s verbal statement, she heard victim #1 yelling for help inside their room. She went and opened their bedroom door and yelled at the suspect to stop. The suspect exited the room dragging victim #1 with him.

The reporter stated that the suspect forcibly dragged victim #1 away from the scene, which she did not want to leave. At this point, the reporter contacted the authorities for assistance.

The officers searched the area for the suspect and victim #1 but they were nowhere to be seen. The reporter informed the officers of the suspect’s usual hangout spot. The officers advised the reporter that if the suspect returns back home to contact the police station but not to alert him when they call.

The officers continued to canvassed the area but were unsuccessful.

The defendant is identified as a 42-year-old citizen of Samoa.