Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On September 4, 2024, a mother contacted the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) to report her son who allegedly stole her new vehicle from their home.

The defendant was later apprehended and charged with:

Count 1: Tampering in the First Degree, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Resisting Arrest, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendant’s bail was set at $3,000.

According to the affidavit, on September 4th, at approximately 2:03 a.m., the FPS received a call from a concerned mother. The mother (victim) reported that her son, Marcus Maiava had unlawfully taken her vehicle allegedly without her knowledge while she was asleep.

The victim requested police assistance in locating her brand -new Toyota truck which she claims had been taken by her son (defendant). According to the victim, she was awakened by her granddaughter who informed her that the defendant had driven away in the vehicle with a girl despite being instructed not to take the truck.

Furthermore, the victim explained that both she and her husband had explicitly told the defendant not to touch any of their belongings, especially the new truck. The victim informed the officers that the defendant got into a previous incident in which he had damaged another vehicle. The victim stated that she was able to contact the defendant by phone, however, he responded by shouting and yelling profanities at her. The victim explained that she was concerned about the defendant damaging her new truck, so she requested assistance in locating the stolen vehicle. She also informed the authorities that she was enroute from her home to assist in the search.

Upon receiving the call, police officers responded. As the officers approached the Pago Pago Catholic Church they encountered the victim and her granddaughter and they reported they had not seen the vehicle on the road. The victim and her granddaughter claimed that they believed the defendant was at the girl’s house in Fagaalu. Following this information, the officers proceeded to Fagaalu to try and locate the victim’s vehicle. When nearing Samoana High School, the officers received another call from the victim stating that she and her granddaughter had located the vehicle in Leloaloa.

Subsequently, the officers proceeded to Leloaloa to assist the victim and her granddaughter.

Upon arriving at Leloaloa, the respondents could hear an altercation involving the victim, her granddaughter, and the defendant.

When the defendant saw the police unit, the defendant began to run towards the hill situated between the old Tutuila store and King’s Pizzeria restaurant. Once the defendant noticed the unit turning towards his direction, he turned around and ran towards the victim’s truck. He got into the truck and attempted to flee but was obstructed by the police unit.

Following this, the defendant exited the vehicle and tried to escape on foot but was ultimately subdued by the officers. As the officers were attempting to handcuff the defendant, he resisted by pulling away and swinging his arms aggressively. Despite his resistance, the officers were able to detain him.

After being restrained, the defendant directed threats against one of the officers saying “Watch what I’m going to do to you!” And he also swore at the officers.

The defendant was placed in the back of a police truck to be transported to the FPS.

While the defendant was successfully being detained behind the truck, the officers interviewed the victim’s granddaughter at the scene.

According to the granddaughter, the defendant was told not to touch any of the vehicles at the house because he had wrecked a car that was given to him. She further stated that the defendant was very disrespectful towards her grandmother by yelling profanities in anger.

The defendant was transported to the FPS, and upon arrival, the officers took the initiative to contact the EMS for assistance in evaluating the injuries the defendant sustained while being detained at the scene.

At approximately 2:57 a.m., the defendant was Mirandized to which he acknowledged but refused to waive his rights. Subsequently, the authorities proceeded to complete the booking form while awaiting the arrival of the EMS at the FPS.

EMS personnel arrived at approximately 3:21 a.m. to assess the defendant’s injuries. The defendant requested a doctor’s examination for his swollen hand, which was attributed to the handcuffs. Consequently, EMS transported the defendant to LBJ Hospital accompanied by one of the officers while the EMS was followed by a police unit. However, upon arrival at the hospital, the defendant stated that he did not wish to see a doctor and preferred to go directly to the Tafuna Correctional Facility (TCF).

As a result, the defendant was apprehended and confined at TCF to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 32-year-old U.S citizen.