Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On April 4th, 2024, a bystander contacted Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report an unknown female in Iliili causing a disturbance by yelling profanities and undressing herself in a public place.

The defendant was apprehended and later charged with one count of Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for six months, a fine of $500.00, or both.

According to the affidavit, on April 4th, 2024 at about 1:50 p.m, a man (bystander) contacted TPS in regards to an unknown female yelling out profanities in front of Misa’s Store in Iliili. The caller also stated that he witnessed the unknown female walking to the bus stop next to Misa’s Store and undressing herself.

Police officers were dispatched to the scene at around 2:15 p.m and upon arrival observed the female sitting at the bus stop. Officers interviewed bystanders at the scene where officers were informed that the unknown female was yelling profanities in front of the store. Officers weren’t able to acquire any information on the unknown female however they placed her inside the police unit and transported her to the TPS for further investigation.

At around 2:38 p.m, officers contacted the caller (reporter) to brief them on what happened earlier. According to the caller’s verbal statement, he was at Misa’s store buying groceries when the unknown female was yelling profanities in front of the store. The caller stated that he also witnessed the female in front of the bus stop when he was about to leave, undressing herself. Other families that were sitting in front of the bus stop left when they saw her. The caller explained that was the reason why he contacted TPS for assistance. He also added that it was also his first time seeing this unknown female individual.

On April 4th, 2024 at about 2:47 p.m, Malo Janice Taala was booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility until the next available sitting of the court.

The defendant is identified as a 34 year-old US National.

The affidavit did not state a bail for the defendant.