Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 1, 2026, a man contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) requesting police assistance at his in-laws' residence in Vaitogi. The reporter stated that his father-in-law was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute with his wife.

The suspect reportedly fled the scene and was later charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of up to $300, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV) (Class A Misd.), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $500.

(Samoa News has withheld the names of those involved to protect the identity of the minor who was present during the incident.)

According to the court affidavit, upon receiving the complaint, authorities responded to the scene. Upon arrival at the residence, officers made contact with the reporter, who immediately directed officers toward the rear of the property, advising that the defendant had fled in that direction moments before police arrived.

Responding officers conducted a search of the surrounding area, including nearby residences and vegetation, in an attempt to locate the defendant. Despite an extensive canvass of the area, officers were unable to locate the suspect.

Officers then conducted preliminary interviews with the reporter and the victim at the scene. Due to the seriousness of the allegations involving a dangerous weapon, both parties, along with their one-year-old son, were instructed to accompany officers to the TPS so formal statements could be obtained in a safe environment.

Upon arrival at the station, police interviewed the victim regarding the incident.

VICTIM'S STATEMENT

The victim stated that the incident began after she confronted the defendant for eating food that had been prepared and set aside for her grandparents, who were scheduled to arrive later that evening.

According to the victim, the defendant became extremely angry after being confronted and began yelling before grabbing dishes and throwing them at her. She was able to avoid being struck.

The victim further stated that her husband immediately intervened in an attempt to calm the situation and prevent the argument from escalating. Instead of calming down, the defendant walked into the kitchen, retrieved a kitchen knife, and attempted to throw it at the victim. The victim estimated that the defendant was standing approximately three feet away when he made the attempt.

Fearing that she would be seriously injured, she and her husband immediately ran upstairs to escape the attack and placed themselves in a secure location.

While upstairs, the victim contacted her uncle and requested immediate assistance.

Upon arriving at the residence, her uncle confronted the defendant regarding his actions. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical altercation between the two men. The altercation continued until the defendant noticed responding police units arriving at the residence. Upon seeing law enforcement, the defendant fled the area on foot before officers could make contact with him.

The reporter also provided a verbal statement that was consistent with and corroborated the victim's account of the incident. He confirmed observing the defendant throw dishes at the victim and later retrieve a kitchen knife before the victim and he fled upstairs for their safety.

The victim advised that although she did not sustain any physical injuries during the incident, she genuinely feared for her life due to the defendant's actions. She further stated that this was not the first time she had been involved in verbal confrontations with the defendant and expressed concern that his behavior had become increasingly aggressive.

The victim requested that the defendant be located, arrested, and detained immediately, as she believes he remains in the area and poses an ongoing threat to her safety and the safety of her family.

At the time the affidavit was prepared, the defendant had not been located and remained at large.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on July 06, 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.]