Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 5, 2026, the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) received a call from a woman requesting police assistance regarding a disturbance occurring at a residence in Pago Pago.

Daniel Tamaalemalo was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: 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 imprisonment and fine; and

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of not more than $300, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, police proceeded to the location upon arrival at approximately 6:37 p.m, made contact with the reporting party outside the residence. The woman appeared visibly concerned and provided officers with a description of the defendant, stating that he was wearing a maroon pair of shorts and a blue shirt. She further reported that the defendant had fled the residence on foot moments prior to police arrival and was last seen walking eastbound toward a nearby field.

Based on the information provided, authorities immediately began canvassing the surrounding area in an attempt to locate the defendant. While conducting the search, officers encountered several individuals in the vicinity and inquired whether they had seen a person matching the given description. The individuals directed officers toward a public transportation bus parked near a local store, indicating that the defendant had boarded the vehicle.

Officers promptly approached the bus and observed the defendant inside. The defendant was identified based on the description provided.

Officers made contact with Mr. Tamaalemalo who was taken into custody without resistance. He was escorted off the bus, secured, and placed into a marked patrol unit.

Officers then returned to the residence to continue the investigation. The woman, who reported the incident, stated that she had been asleep when she heard someone calling for help. Upon waking, she discovered that the disturbance involved the defendant, who was acting aggressively inside and outside the residence — yelling loudly and directing profane language at another occupant, including statements expressing hostility and anger.

The woman further stated that the defendant escalated his behavior by throwing multiple objects, which included household items and debris, in the direction of the other individual. Although the thrown items did not make direct contact with the other individual, these actions caused fear for their personal safety and contributed to the severity of the disturbance.

Officers also made contact with the victim at the residence, who provided a verbal statement regarding the incident. The individual stated that upon the defendant’s arrival at the residence, a verbal disagreement occurred regarding the use of a vehicle. The defendant reportedly became increasingly agitated and began yelling profanities. The situation escalated when the defendant began throwing objects, including a shovel, a rock, and a dustpan, in the direction of the individual.

The victim further reported that the defendant continued his aggressive behavior by throwing items from inside the residence, including food and beverages. The individual expressed fear due to the defendant’s actions and requested police intervention through the reporting party.

Based on the statements obtained, observations at the scene, and the defendant’s actions, officers determined that probable cause existed to arrest Tamaalemalo.

The defendant was transported to the FPS for processing, and following the booking, Tamaalemalo was transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was confined pending his appearance before the District Court at the next available session.

The affidavit with police report was filed in the District Court on March 6, 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.]