Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On January 28, 2024, a woman contacted Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) to report a man who allegedly broke their sliding glass door in the front of their home in Fagaalu.

Tino Tapua’ialupe was arrested and later charged with the following:

Count 1: Property Damage in the 2nd Degree —a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one (1) year, a fine of $1,000, or both;

Count 2: Trespass — a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six (6) months, a fine of $500, or both; and,

Count 3: Private Peace Disturbance — a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen (15) days, a fine of $300, or both.

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

According to the affidavit, a woman contacted FPS to report that Tino Tapua’ialupe broke their sliding glass door (front entrance) of their house in Fagaalu. Police were dispatched to the scene and upon arrival, officers observed the reporter and 2 males (later identified as the reporter’s brothers) holding the suspect captive.

Police officers immediately apprehended the suspect and placed him inside the police unit. It was reported that the defendant was unable to stand still during the apprehension and police officers detected a strong odor of alcohol from the suspect.

The police officers then proceeded to the family house, meeting up with a female individual, who identified herself as Christina Falanika who is also the alleged victim in the matter. She then provided a verbal statement to the police officers.

According to the victim, she was alone at home when Tapua’ialupe appeared at their house intoxicated and wanted to talk to her. She stated they had an argument about the relationship they used to have and she told him to leave but he wouldn’t, even after repeated requests. She then called her cousins to inform them about the situation and that’s when he punched their sliding glass door (front entrance) leaving a hole in it.

Upon arrival at the Fagatogo Central Police Station, the suspect was booked, confined and later transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next sitting of the District Court.

 The suspect is identified as a U.S National and a resident of Tafuna.

PASSENGER ARRESTED FOR DRINKING INSIDE A MOVING VEHICLE

 On January 27, a traffic stop resulted in an arrest of a passenger allegedly consuming alcohol inside a moving vehicle.

The passenger was arrested and charged with Count 1: Prohibited Place of Consumption.

According to the affidavit, on January 27, 2024 at around 6:24 p.m, police officers stationed across from Matafao Elementary observed a motor vehicle on the public highway heading east at a high rate of speed. Police officers utilized a handheld radar (Lidar) registering the vehicle moving at 30 mph in a 20 mph zone. A traffic stop was conducted for the speeding vehicle across from Matafao.

Police officers approached the driver and informed him of the reason for the vehicle stop and showed him his speed that was registered on the handheld Lidar. Police officers then asked the driver for his driver’s license and was told by the driver that he forgot his license at home. However, the driver was able to present another form of identification card and identified himself as John Fia.

While the police officer informed his superior regarding the driver’s non-possession of driver’s license the passenger behind the driver opened his door and was seen holding an opened beer can.

The police officer asked the passenger to step out of the vehicle which he came out holding a black shopping bag and a can of beer. The police officer informed the passenger that drinking alcoholic beverages inside a moving vehicle is against the law which he replied he didn’t know.

The passenger, later identified as Simanu Tofa, was handcuffed and transported to the TFC to be confined until the next sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a U.S National.