Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 28, 2026, police responded to a reported domestic disturbance in Vaitogi after receiving a call from a man who alleged that a relative was threatening him with a machete.

The suspect was arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, a fine of not more than $300 but not less than $150, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, a fine of not more than $300 but not less than $150, or both;

Count 3: Attempted Arson in the Second Degree (DV), a class D felony punishable by imprisonment of not more than five years, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both; and,

Count 4: Endangering the Welfare of a Child (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

(Samoa News has withheld the names of those involved to protect the identity of the family and the minor children, who were a part of the incident.)

According to the court affidavit, police officers from the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) were dispatched to the residence at approximately 4:48 p.m. after receiving the report. Upon arrival, officers immediately met with a female family member who provided details regarding the incident.

The woman told investigators that she was preparing to take her children to practice when the suspect arrived at the family property. She stated that she wanted to discuss an ongoing issue involving the suspect's girlfriend residing at the home.

According to her statement, the suspect refused to speak with her when she attempted to initiate a conversation. She told police that after informing him she would contact authorities regarding the living situation, he became angry and aggressively approached her vehicle while she was seated inside with several of her children.

The victim stated that the suspect began yelling and accusing her of having no authority over the property. Her husband allegedly came outside after hearing the argument and attempted to intervene. However, the confrontation quickly escalated as the suspect directed his anger toward both of them.

Moreover, the suspect then walked toward the rear entrance of the residence and forcefully kicked open a door before entering the home. Concerned for the safety of her children, who were inside the residence at the time, the woman followed him into the house.

Once inside, the suspect allegedly began throwing household items around the residence. He threw dish racks containing dishes onto the floor and overturned a water dispenser, causing damage and creating further chaos inside the home.

The woman's husband entered the residence through the front entrance and encountered the suspect in the dining area. The suspect threw a coffee mug at him during the confrontation.

The husband reportedly challenged the suspect to continue the dispute outside. The suspect exited the residence and went to a nearby room on the property before returning moments later armed with a machete.

According to statements provided to police, the suspect attempted to charge toward the man/ husband while holding the machete. The woman/ wife allegedly placed herself between the two men in an effort to prevent further violence and de-escalate the situation.

Fearing for his safety, the husband fled the residence and sought assistance. He later contacted police to report the incident.

The situation allegedly became even more dangerous after the husband left the area. The woman continued that the suspect entered the kitchen carrying a container of gasoline and began pouring the fuel throughout portions of the home.

She explained that gasoline was poured on the kitchen floor, countertops, and even onto herself.

The suspect allegedly threatened to burn down the residence while family members, including several children, remained nearby.

During the incident, two of the children reportedly entered the dining room and pleaded with the suspect to stop. The suspect yelled at them and ordered them to leave.The woman told police that she informed the suspect she intended to leave the residence with her husband and children whereas the suspect responded by repeatedly ordering them to get out.

The suspect later retrieved a second container of gasoline and returned to the kitchen.

Before the situation escalated further, the suspect's girlfriend informed him that police had arrived at the property.

The suspect then fled the scene before officers could make contact with him.

Upon entering the residence, responding officers reported smelling a strong odor of gasoline both inside the home and on the female victim's clothing. The odor was significant enough to be immediately noticeable during their initial investigation.

The man/ husband provided investigators with an account that largely matched the statement given by his wife. He stated that he heard the argument while inside the residence with several children and came outside to intervene after hearing the suspect yelling.

According to his statement, the suspect became increasingly aggressive and eventually entered the home by kicking open the rear door. He further alleged that a coffee mug was thrown at him before the suspect armed himself with a machete and attempted to confront him.

After police arrived, officers conducted a search of the surrounding area but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect's girlfriend declined to provide an immediate statement at the scene but reportedly informed officers that she intended to visit the police station later to provide a written statement regarding the incident.

Investigators noted that the suspect and the victims all reside at the same family property. The residence belongs to family members and has been the source of ongoing disagreements among those living there.

Court documents further indicate that the victims expressed concern that the suspect may continue returning to the property regardless of any court-imposed restrictions.

They reportedly requested that he stay away from the residence and surrounding land, citing concerns for the safety and well-being of the children living in the home.

The matter remains under investigation.

The defendant is identified as a 37-year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on June 01, 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.]