Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 19, 2026, the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a call regarding an alleged disturbance at a store in Kokoland.

The suspect, later identified as Caleb Lomiga, was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1, 2, & 3: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed fifteen days, a fine of not more than $150, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 4: Public Peace Disturbance (DV), a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, the incident was first reported at approximately 8:39 p.m., when a concerned caller contacted the TPS to report an unknown man inside a store, who was loudly shouting profanities and causing a disturbance. Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene to investigate the matter and ensure the safety of those present.

Upon arrival, officers encountered several store employees who appeared visibly distressed and unsettled by the events that had just occurred. The employees quickly informed officers that the suspect had been acting aggressively inside the store and had physically assaulted multiple individuals before leaving the premises.

Officers began gathering statements and assessing the situation to determine the sequence of events.

According to statements provided by the employees, the suspect had initially been inside the store behaving in a manner that drew attention due to his loud and erratic conduct. Without any clear provocation, he reportedly began shouting profanities and directing aggressive language at those around him.

One employee, who had been performing maintenance work nearby, stated that the suspect suddenly approached him, began yelling, and then grabbed him in a confrontational manner. Other employees attempted to intervene in an effort to de-escalate the situation and protect their coworker. However, their attempts were unsuccessful, as the suspect allegedly redirected his aggression toward them.

Witnesses reported that the suspect became increasingly hostile, making threatening statements and using offensive language while advancing toward employees in a physically intimidating manner.

Officers were provided with surveillance footage from inside the store, which corroborated the employees’ accounts. The video reportedly showed the suspect moving aggressively throughout the store, shouting profanities and challenging employees. At one point, the suspect was seen approaching an employee, repeatedly asking confrontational questions before cornering him and striking him. The footage captured the suspect’s continued verbal aggression, including repeated use of profanity and threatening language, which heightened the fear among those present.

Additional footage reviewed by officers showed that the suspect briefly exited the store following the initial altercation. However, the situation escalated further when he returned moments later. According to the affidavit, an employee near the entrance gestured for the suspect to leave the premises, but this appeared to provoke him further.

The suspect re-entered the store, confronted the employee, and struck him in the face without warning. Officers documented injuries sustained during the assault, including visible swelling to the victim’s cheek, and photographs were taken as evidence.

Further witness statements revealed that the incident may have been triggered by a seemingly minor interaction between the suspect and a cashier.

According to the cashier, the suspect had approached her with questions regarding a car rental. She informed him that such services were not available at the location and directed him to another area where he could inquire during business hours. Witnesses stated that the suspect became visibly irritated following this exchange, and his behavior quickly escalated from verbal frustration to physical aggression.

As officers continued their investigation at the scene, gathering statements and reviewing video evidence, a vehicle arrived at the store’s parking lot. The driver identified himself as a relative of the suspect and informed officers that the suspect had been consuming alcohol prior to the incident and was highly intoxicated. The relative explained that he had been waiting outside when he heard loud shouting coming from inside the store. Upon entering, he observed the suspect engaged in a physical altercation with employees.

The relative stated that he attempted to calm the suspect and de-escalate the situation, but his efforts were unsuccessful due to the suspect’s agitated state. He further informed officers that the suspect had left the store and was likely at a nearby volleyball field within the Kokoland area.

Based on this information, officers immediately proceeded to the location in an effort to locate and apprehend the suspect.

Upon arrival at the volleyball field, officers observed a group of individuals gathered in the area. The suspect was quickly identified among the group. As officers approached him, they detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his breath and person, further supporting claims of intoxication.

The suspect was taken into custody without resistance and placed into a police unit for transport to the TPS. Officers noted that despite his intoxicated condition, the suspect was compliant during the arrest process.

At the station, the suspect was escorted to the interrogation room, where he was advised of his constitutional rights. According to the affidavit, the suspect acknowledged understanding his rights and voluntarily agreed to provide a statement regarding the incident.

During the interview, the suspect admitted to being inside the store at the time of the disturbance. He stated that while he was near the cashier area, he became paranoid after noticing an individual nearby holding a tool. The suspect claimed that his level of intoxication contributed to his heightened sense of fear and confusion, which ultimately led to his aggressive behavior.

He further admitted that his intoxicated state caused him to lose control, resulting in a violent outburst directed at the individuals inside the store. Authorities noted that the suspect’s actions placed multiple individuals at risk and disrupted the safety of the business environment.

Following the interview, the suspect was formally booked and processed. He was subsequently transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remained confined pending the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 19-year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on March 20, 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.]