Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 17, 2025, a distressed mother called the Leone Police Substation (LPS) regarding her son, who allegedly threatened her bodily harm.

The suspect was arrested and later charged with Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendant’s bail was set at $500.

According to the court affidavit, on August 17th, at about 2:30 p.m., a woman (the reporter) contacted the LPS regarding her son, Rocky Lavasi’i (the suspect), alleging that he was causing a disturbance at their residence, and she needed police assistance.

Police officers responded to the call and, upon arrival on the scene, met with the woman, who was also the victim. She briefed them on the incident.

According to the woman, her son all of a sudden started yelling profanities in Samoan, and when she scolded him for his rude behavior, he became furious and started threatening her that he would slit her throat and chop up her body using a machete.

The victim stated that she feared for her and her family’s safety because this is not the first time this has happened. The victim explained that she contacted the authorities for help as the suspect continued to be violent.

She added that the suspect was to appear in court the following Thursday regarding a similar matter.

One of the officers scuffled with the suspect when he was apprehended him. In addition, he swore at the officer and told him not to touch him. He was then placed in the police unit for transportation to LPS for processing.

Upon arrival at the substation, the suspect was Mirandized, where he understood and agreed to provide a verbal statement.

The suspect explained to officers what had happened, saying, “Just cause… I got angry.”

The suspect was then booked to be confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility until the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 24-year-old U.S. national.