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Man accused of assaulting his wife while driving under the influence

American Samoa District Court building
ausage@samoanews.com
Everything changed rapidly, she said, when her husband asked her about an affair she was having with a man she works with. The woman said she told her husband that she has no idea what he's talking about — she isn't having an affair.

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 43-year-man was arrested by police on the allegation that he assaulted his wife while in their vehicle. He made his initial appearance in court last week where he entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him.

The man is being charged with public peace disturbance, third degree assault, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The defense attorney asked the court to release his client on his own recognizance, saying he’s a first time offender; he isn't a flight risk; and he is not a danger to society.

The prosecutor echoed the defense’s motion for release, but under the condition that he stay away from the victim and her children.

The court released the defendant, among conditions that that he not have any direct or indirect contact with his wife and children, and he is to remain alcohol and drug free.

According to the government’s case, the victim contacted police for assistance after her husband allegedly assaulted her in their vehicle while they were on their way home last week after work.

The husband was suspicious that his wife was having an affair with a male co-worker.

The wife told police that everything was fine when her husband picked her up. She said they were talking and having fun as they drove alone but she also smelled a strong odor of alcohol on her husband’s breath.

Everything changed rapidly, she said, when her husband asked her about an affair she was having with a man she works with. The woman said she told her husband that she has no idea what he's talking about — she isn't having an affair.

It was at that time the defendant allegedly slapped his wife multiple times. The alleged incident occurred while the vehicle was in motion.

The defendant then pulled over in front of a store in Nuuuli and continued to hit his wife with his fists. At some point, the wife was able to open the door, walk into the store, and call for police assistance.

Several police officers arrived moments later.

They spoke to the woman who was still in the store, and the man was taken in for questioning.