Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 1, 2026, a security guard at an audio store in Malaeimi contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) regarding a group of males who were allegedly causing a disturbance along the main road in Malaeimi during the early morning hours. 

The adult suspects were both arrested and 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.

Both defendants were held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, the two suspects were among a group of young people allegedly involved in a disturbance that included shouting war cries (fa’aumu), challenging passesrby to physical altercations, and throwing rocks at vehicles traveling along the main road.

The incident was reported to the TPS by a security guard working at a business in Malaeimi as a disturbance involving a group of teenagers from the neighborhood, who were allegedly on the public highway.

The reporter also stated that he recognized most of the individuals as residents of the neighborhood. No injuries or vehicle damage were reported as a result of the alleged rock throwing.

The reporter said he attempted to intervene by instructing the group to stop. However, the individuals allegedly continued shouting profanities and throwing rocks towards the roadway. The reporter also told officers that similar disturbances involving the group had reportedly occurred during the preceding days.

At approximately 2:11 a.m., responding officers proceeded to the area and upon arrival they reportedly observed several market vendors along the roadside who appeared concerned about the disturbance.

The reporter approached officers and directed them toward the area where the group had fled.

While one officer interviewed the reporter, other officers began searching for the individuals.

Police also interviewed a market vendor who reportedly witnessed the incident.

The witness told officers that she observed the two adult defendants, one of the juveniles, and several unidentified individuals yelling profanities and causing a disturbance along the main road.

The witness reportedly recognized some of the individuals as being from the neighborhood and instructed them to return home.

According to the witness, the individuals refused to comply and continued yelling profanities and throwing rocks onto the roadway.

The witness then waited for police to arrive and reportedly pointed out the residence of one of the adult defendants.

As officers searched for the individuals, they reportedly observed a group of teenagers running through the bushes along a back road toward the Fanene area.

Officers ordered the group to stop, but the individuals allegedly continued running. The individuals then hid from police and taunted the officers as they attempted to locate them.

Officers initiated a foot pursuit that lasted approximately 30 minutes.

The affidavit further states that locating the individuals was difficult because of limited visibility and the officers' unfamiliarity with portions of the area. Police eventually remembered the location of one of the adult defendant's residences and proceeded there.

Officers reportedly observed one of the [adult] defendants sitting in the back seat of a vehicle that appeared to be preparing to leave the area. He was reportedly accompanied by his mother and sister. Officers approached the vehicle and confirmed his identity.

The officers also observed that the defendant's face appeared sweaty and that he was shaking. Officers also noted that his feet appeared dirty, which they believed was consistent with having recently run through bushes.

The defendant was taken into custody and transported to the TPS for further investigation.

Because of the late hour and concerns regarding neighborhood residents, officers discontinued the search for the remaining individuals.

The defendant arrived at the TPS at approximately 3:20 a.m., where officers advised the defendant of his constitutional rights where he acknowledged that he understood his rights and agreed to answer questions and provide a statement.

During his interview, the defendant admitted that he had been on the main road with a second adult defendant and the two juveniles.

However, he denied the other allegations contained in the report.

The defendant reportedly told officers that they were simply walking along the main road.

He was subsequently booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility until the 48-hour period ended.

The investigation continued into the identities and involvement of the remaining individuals.

On Sunday, August 2, 2026, at approximately 3:37 p.m., police officers went to the residence of a high-ranking village chief in Malaeimi to request assistance in locating the remaining individuals involved in the incident.The village chief agreed to assist officers and identified the residences of the other individuals.

Officers then contacted the parents of the individuals and explained the purpose of their visit.

Police requested that the individuals be brought to the TPS for further investigation.

Because two of the individuals were minors, officers also requested that their parents be present during the investigation.

The affidavit further stated that the second adult defendant was also interviewed as part of the continuing investigation, after being advised of his constitutional rights.

The investigation identified four individuals who were reportedly present during the alleged disturbance — two adult defendants and two juveniles.

Both defendants are identified as 18-year-old U.S. nationals residing in Malaeimi.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on August 14, 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.]