Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 12, 2026, an individual called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported that Iosefa Iosefo was causing a disturbance in Utulei at the Su’igaula Malae. The incident led to the arrest of the defendant and another individual, Falema’i Falema’i.

Iosefo was 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.

Falema’i was charged with:

Count 1: Interfering With Arrest, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of not more than one year, or both.

Both defendants were held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, the incident occurred at approximately 1:37 p.m., when a woman contacted the FPS) requesting police assistance.

The caller reported that an intoxicated man, identified as Iosefa Iosefo, was creating a disturbance at Suigaula Malae in Utulei by yelling profanities in an area where numerous members of the public, including children, were gathered.

Responding officers arrived at the scene and were met by the reporter, who directed them to the suspect. According to the reporter, she had been sitting with her 16-year-old daughter at the large Samoan fale when she observed Iosefo walking toward a smaller fale nearby while shouting profanities. She told officers that Iosefo repeatedly yelled offensive words as he walked through the area and appeared to be heavily intoxicated.

Concerned that families and young children were nearby, the reporter said she asked Iosefo to stop yelling because his behavior was disturbing those around him. Instead of complying, Iosefo allegedly turned towards her and shouted profanity, telling her that the matter was none of her business. Moreover, the defendant continued yelling loudly and repeatedly, disrupting the normally peaceful atmosphere at the public park.

After speaking with officers, the reporter was advised to report to the police station later to provide a written statement regarding the incident.

She also pointed out Iosefo's location to responding officers.

Police immediately approached the defendant and conducted a pat-down search for officer safety before taking him into custody.

During the search, officers allegedly discovered two cans of beer inside Iosefo's pockets. While escorting him toward the police vehicle, officers also detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath. Iosefo allegedly repeatedly insisted that he had done nothing wrong.

As officers attempted to place him inside the patrol vehicle, another man, later identified as Falema'i Falema'i, suddenly intervened.

Police alleged that Falema'i stepped between Iosefo and the officers, raised his hands, and repeatedly insisted that "nothing happened."

Responding officers immediately instructed Falema'i to step aside and warned him not to interfere with a lawful arrest.

However, according to court documents, Falema'i ignored several commands and continued placing himself between the officers and the defendant. Officers also reported smelling alcohol on Falema'i's breath, leading them to believe he too had been drinking.

The situation quickly escalated when Falema'i allegedly shoved one of the responding officers, causing the officer to stagger backward. While one officer managed to secure Iosefo inside the patrol vehicle, the second officer turned to assist in taking Falema'i into custody.

Police said Falema'i actively resisted arrest by repeatedly pulling his arms away as officers attempted to place him in handcuffs. After a brief struggle, officers were able to restrain Falema'i without further incident.

Both defendants were transported to the FPS, where they were booked on their respective offenses.

Following the booking process, both men were transferred to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where they remained in custody pending their initial appearance before the District Court.

Both matters are now pending before the District Court.

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