Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On April 6, 2026, a disturbance inside the Territorial Bank of American Samoa’s Utulei branch ended in an arrest after a man allegedly entered the bank yelling profanities, verbally threatening a customer, and resisting officers who attempted to take him into custody.

The defendant was later charged with:

Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $500, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Trespass, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $500, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, police were contacted at approximately 2:38 p.m. after bank security reported that a man was creating a serious disturbance inside the financial institution, alarming employees and customers and disrupting normal operations.

Authorities say officers arrived at the bank within minutes and immediately observed the defendant, Kapeneta Tupua, standing near the entrance in what witnesses described as a loud and agitated state. By the time police reached the scene, the defendant was allegedly shouting profanities at security personnel and repeatedly demanding to know who had called police on him.

Witnesses told investigators that his voice could be heard throughout the bank, with customers and staff visibly disturbed by the escalating confrontation. Authorities noted that his behavior was aggressive and disruptive, causing concern among those conducting business in the bank.

According to witness statements, the disturbance reportedly began when the defendant entered the bank and loudly delivered what was described as a cultural speech directed at one of the customers inside. His sudden outburst drew immediate attention from everyone in the area.

The court affidavit also stated that an elderly customer eventually stood up and told him to be quiet, reportedly saying he was disturbing the peace inside the bank. That comment allegedly triggered an even more aggressive response from the defendant. Witnesses say the defendant then turned his anger toward the customer, shouting profanities and verbally threatening him in a loud, hostile tone.

Bank staff told investigators that the defendant made alarming statements during the confrontation, including comments suggesting he was dangerous and had a violent reputation. The intensity of the exchange reportedly caused the customer to leave the bank out of fear while the disturbance continued.

Authorities also allege that the defendant directed profanity toward prominent individuals who were present inside the bank at the time, including the Lieutenant Governor.

Bank security attempted to de-escalate the situation by escorting the defendant outside the building. However, according to reports, he re-entered the bank and continued yelling, prompting security personnel to contact police for immediate assistance.

When officers approached him outside the bank, they say he became confrontational and loudly warned officers not to touch him. Police attempted to detain him, but authorities allege he resisted arrest by pulling away from officers and refusing commands to comply.

A brief struggle followed before officers gained control and placed him in handcuffs.

Even while being detained, investigators say the defendant continued shouting and threatened legal action against the Department of Public Safety, repeatedly declaring that he would sue police over the arrest.

After being transported to the Fagatogo Police Station, the defendant was advised of his constitutional rights. Initially, he told investigators he wanted to provide a written statement about the incident, but later refused to do so.

During questioning, however, authorities say he verbally admitted that he had gone to the bank intending to confront and fight another customer, which investigators believe explains the aggressive and hostile behavior that unfolded inside the building.

He was later booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remained confined pending his next court appearance.

Investigators later returned to the bank to gather additional evidence, including surveillance footage, but were unable to immediately do so, because the bank had already closed for the day. However, bank management and employees who witnessed the incident provided written and verbal statements confirming the disturbance and detailing the defendant’s threatening conduct inside the bank.

Authorities continue to review witness statements and are expected to obtain surveillance footage as part of the ongoing case file.

The matter is now before the court.

The defendant is identified as a 65-year-old citizen of Samoa.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on April 07, 2026.

[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. Under local law, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the court.]