Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A break in was discovered at TSM store Tafuna at 10:33p.m. on May 2, 2023, and when officers arrived at the scene, they met with the owner who gave a brief account of the situation and provided security camera footage.

On the same day at 11:33p.m., officers interviewed a man named Ramota Ma’itusi and while watching the surveillance footage, Mata’itusi immediately recognized his cousin, Samuelu Canirahan.

On the footage Canirahan was observed wearing an orange long sleeve shirt, black pants with a black cloth over his head while breaking in through the back door of TSM store and proceeding to destroy the second door entering the shopping area.

He then started carrying out boxes from the area to the point of entry and went back to the counter, taking items from the shelves. A few hours later at 2:30a.m. on May 3, he came back in wearing different clothes —short pants with an ‘ie lavalava over his head and taking items from the shelves behind the counter.

Later that morning at 11:37a.m., officers followed up with a tip from Mata’itusi about a nearby residence where Canirahan might be round. Upon arrival officers spoke with Soni Tuia who stated that Canirahan was not there.

On May 7, 2023 at 12:33p.m., officers again attempted to locate Canirahan at the same residence, but were unsuccessful after Tuia stated that he told Canirahan about the officers coming to the house and then Canirahan hearing about the cops’ visiting left the house.

Estimation of items stolen totaled to $798.40, with descriptions of items ranging from 5 packs of cigarettes, 6 packs of e-cigarettes, 4 cans of beer, 4 power banks portable chargers, 2 cases of lamb flaps, and 2 cases of corned beef. Damages were estimated at around $350 for an estimated total of $1,148.40.

Canirahan is still at large but is being charged with 9 criminal counts — 2 counts of burglary in the first degree, 2 counts of trespass, 3 counts of stealing and 1 count of property damage in the second degree.

Bail for Canirahan is currently set at $8,000.

Of interest, an Etimani Canirahan is currently in custody and facing charges of burglary, stealing, trespassing and property damage in two break-in cases. No relationship was mentioned between the two men, Etimani and Samuelu, although they carry the same last names.