Ads by Google Ads by Google

Alleged breaking and entering stopped by observant neighbor

Court Report logo
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man from Ottoville was arrested by police last week after he attempted to break into a home. Vincent Poasa who has a prior stealing conviction made his initial appearance in Court last week. He is charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana, an unclassified felony; punishable by term of imprisonment from 5 - 10 years, a fine of up to $20,000 or both; one count of attempted burglary, a class D felony, along with trespass and public peace disturbance, both misdemeanors.

Bail is set at $5,000.

The government alleges that on June 12th, around 7:34p.m, a man (witness) contacted the Tafuna Police Substation for assistance after he observed a male individual trying to open the door of his neighbor’s vehicle parked outside of the house. The man was later identified as Vincent Poasa, the defendant in this case.

While waiting for the arrival of police, the witness also observed the defendant attempting to break into his neighbor’s house by trying to open the window of the house and the back door.

After the witness contacted police, he then contacted his neighbor by phone and informed them about the situation. The defendant attempted to flee but was caught by the family whose house he allegedly attempted to burgle, and they held him to await the arrival of officers.

Before the defendant was taken into the Tafuna Police Substation for questioning he was patted down a small stamp size baggie containing marijuana was found in the defendant’s pocket.

Defendant refused to make a statement.