Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On April 27, 2026, a store cashier at Fagaima Mart called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported an incident regarding a suspect who allegedly threw a large rock inside the convenience store and threatened to kill an employee following a dispute over beer sales.

Authorities identified the suspect as Henry Satila who was arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both;

Count 2: Trespass, a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both;

Count 3: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both; and,

Count 4: Property Damage in the Third Degree, 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 court records, upon arrival at Fagaima Mart, police officers observed damage inside the business and recovered a large rock allegedly used during the incident. Police also obtained video footage from inside the store that reportedly captured the confrontation.

Police officers later identified the suspect as Satila, who was allegedly involved in a previous disturbance connected to the same store earlier this year.

The incident began around 11:00 p.m. when Satila allegedly entered the store and attempted to purchase beer while appearing intoxicated. Employees informed him that beer sales had already ended for the evening. Authorities said Satila then left the store visibly upset.

Investigators allege that approximately 40 minutes later, Satila returned carrying a large rock measuring approximately five inches and weighing about 10 pounds. He allegedly threw the rock toward the cashier area inside the store. Although the rock did not strike anyone, authorities said it caused property damage after crashing into a glass countertop and knocking several items from a display shelf.

Satila then allegedly threatened the employee by stating, “I will kill you next time,” before attempting to throw another rock. Fearing for his safety, the employee armed himself with a wooden stick and ordered the suspect to leave the premises.

Several bystanders entered the store during the confrontation and also instructed Satila to leave. The suspect exited the business. The employee then immediately contacted authorities for assistance.

Investigators noted that Satila was reportedly a regular customer at the store, but employees claimed he frequently became disruptive and damaged property whenever he was intoxicated.

Court affidavits further state that Satila had previously been connected to another disturbance involving the same store but had fled before officers arrived during that earlier incident.

Police photographed the scene and collected evidence, including the rock allegedly used during the disturbance.

After interviewing witnesses and reviewing the video footage, officers began searching for Satila. Authorities first checked a known location in Kokoland but were unable to locate him there.

While returning to the station, however, officers observed Satila walking along Fagaima Road and took him into custody without incident. According to court documents, officers observed signs of intoxication during the arrest, including red eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol.

At the TPS, investigators advised Satila of his constitutional rights. Court records state that he refused to provide a statement to police regarding the incident.

Following processing, Satila was booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was confined pending further court proceedings.

The defendant is identified as a 31 year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on April 28, 2026.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

[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.]