Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 27, 2025, the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a call regarding a young man who was allegedly causing a disturbance and assaulting his father by throwing rocks at him.

The suspect was later arrested 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 imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Public Peace Disturbance (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 $500.

Court records revealed that on May 27th, a man (the witness/ reporter) contacted the TPS and reported an alleged disturbance. The reporter alleged that a man, Palealii Fuiono (the suspect) was yelling profanities around their home and threw rocks at his father (the victim).

Police officers proceeded to serve the call and met up with the reporter. The reporter told the officers that the suspect and his siblings along with their father (victim) were playing pool inside their home. Suddenly, the suspect stood up and walked outside and started yelling profanities for no reason. The victim attempted to approach the suspect, but he picked up the rocks and threw them at the victim. The reporter suggested to the authorities that the suspect may have mental health issues because he’s often angry and tries to fight or attack the victim.

The officers approached the victim and he stated that they were playing pool at home. Suddenly, the suspect stood up and started arguing with his younger siblings. He tried to calm him down and asked him what happened. However, the suspect kept yelling profanities in Samoan and threw him with rocks. The victim also stated that this is not the first time the suspect had done this at their home.

The victim further claimed that the suspect has “always caused disturbances and tried to make physical contact with him.” Fortunately, during this incident he was hiding behind the cars when the suspect threw rocks at him.

After the reporter made his statement, he pointed out the location of the defendant. The suspect, Palealii, was immediately apprehended from the bus stop at which he was sitting.

The suspect was also informed regarding the allegations against him and was later transported to the TPS.

Upon arrival at the station, the suspect was booked and later confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 24-year-old U.S. National.