Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 5, 2026, a violent confrontation involving a father and son in Pago Pago resulted in the arrest of  Daniel Tamaalemalo.

The suspect was later charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not to exceed $300, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, filed in the District Court on Mar. 6th, at approximately 6:32 p.m., the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) received a call from a woman requesting immediate assistance at her uncle’s residence.

According to the report, the suspect was shouting offensive words and throwing objects in the direction of the victim, creating a volatile and potentially dangerous situation within the home.

Officers were immediately dispatched to the location, with responding personnel making contact with the reporter, who identified herself and provided a description of the suspect. She told officers that the individual had fled the residence moments before their arrival and was last seen walking eastbound toward the Fagatogo soccer field.

Additional officers canvassed the surrounding area in an effort to locate the suspect. During the search, officers encountered several individuals near a nearby store who indicated that the suspect had boarded a public transportation bus parked in the area.

Acting on this information, officers approached the bus and observed the suspect inside. He was immediately taken into custody without further incident and secured in a police unit.

According to the reporter, the incident began while she was asleep at the residence. She was awakened by calls for help coming from the victim, who requested that she contact police due to his son’s aggressive behavior. She stated that the suspect was yelling directly at his father, expressing hostility and making alarming statements, including wishing harm upon him.

She further reported that the suspect threw multiple objects, including a shovel, a rock, and a dustpan, in the direction of the victim, though none of the items struck him.

The victim later spoke with responding officers and provided additional details regarding the confrontation. He stated that the incident began after his son returned home with a family vehicle. When he instructed his son not to use the vehicle anymore, the suspect became agitated and began shouting profanities. The situation quickly escalated as the suspect allegedly threw objects at him and began causing damage inside the residence by throwing food and beverages.

Officers observed that the victim appeared shaken by the incident but did not report any physical injuries at the time. The scene was assessed to ensure there were no immediate threats, and statements were collected from those present.

Following his arrest, the suspect was transported to the FPS for processing. He was subsequently booked and later confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remains pending his appearance at the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 31-year-old U.S national.

[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.]