Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 14, 2026, a man accused of threatening a woman with a knife outside a Tafuna business was arrested Tuesday morning following a police search that ended with officers locating him near a restaurant in Tafuna.

The suspect was later charged with:

Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine not to exceed $500, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

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

The defendant’s bail was set at $1,000.

According to the court affidavit, officers assigned to a DPS Unit were flagged down by a man, who urgently reported that a suspect, later identified as Ronald Pickering, had threatened his wife by flashing a knife and repeatedly telling her he would kill her.

Officers immediately responded to Vila's Snack Bar in an attempt to locate the suspect. Police searched the surrounding area, believing he was still nearby, but were initially unable to find him. After checking the immediate vicinity without success, officers returned to the snack bar to interview the victim and gather additional information about the incident.

During the interview, the victim told officers she had just returned to her business after shopping when she noticed Pickering sitting beneath the corner of the building going through a box containing electrical outlets, wiring, and other miscellaneous electrical items.

She told investigators she immediately recognized Pickering and was familiar with him from previous encounters. According to her statement, he was known to carry random items that she believed were often stolen. Because of this, she suspected the box and its contents did not belong to him.

Concerned that the suspect was trespassing on her property, the victim instructed the suspect to gather his belongings and leave the area. Pickering reportedly questioned who she was, and she informed him that the property belonged to her as she paid for the space where her business operates.

Pickering then asked the victim whether she needed money. She replied that she did not and again instructed him to remove all of his belongings from the property.

Pickering then wrapped up a plastic bag containing wires but intentionally left the box behind. When the victim insisted that he also remove the box, he allegedly became irritated. After she raised her voice and again demanded that he clean up the area, Pickering grabbed the box and threw it into a nearby trash bin while muttering comments under his breath.

Police said it was during this exchange that Pickering first threatened the victim by telling her that he would kill her.

Rather than leaving the area, the suspect allegedly turned around and walked back toward the victim while claiming that he was “a gangster”. Feeling frightened by his behavior, the victim responded by telling him to go find a job.

As Pickering continued moving toward her, she warned him not to come any closer because she feared for her safety. Pickering eventually turned away and began walking across the road.

However, the confrontation did not end there.

Police said that once across the roadway, Pickering removed a knife from his possession, displayed it toward the victim, and made a throat-slashing motion while again yelling, “I’ll kill you”. The victim stated that the suspect continued shouting additional remarks before eventually walking away from the area.

After completing their initial interview, officers instructed the victim to report to the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to provide a formal written statement documenting the incident.

While officers were continuing their investigation, Pickering was later spotted near Tropical Chicken. Police approached him and placed him under arrest without further incident.

Before transporting him to the station, officers advised Pickering that a pat-down search would be conducted for officer safety. During the search, police recovered a small rusty knife from his person. The knife was seized as evidence.

At approximately 11:10 a.m., Pickering was Mirandized and he acknowledged understanding his rights, waived them, and agreed to provide a voluntary statement.

According to investigators, Pickering denied threatening the victim. He admitted displaying the knife but claimed he did so only because the victim had approached him while carrying a stick. He denied making any death threats.

Following the interview, Pickering was formally booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was confined pending his initial court appearance.

Court documents further state that the victim expressed concern that Pickering may return to the area and retaliate against her or her business. She told investigators she fears additional confrontations and requested that the suspect not be allowed anywhere near Vila's Snack Bar.

The matter remains before the court.

The defendant is a 35-year-old U.S citizen.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on July 15, 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.]