Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 25, 2025, at approximately 10:09 p.m., police received a report that a man was cursing and making threats in front of a gas station in Tafuna, during a heated confrontation.

Mr. Miracle Alailima was charged with the following:

Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance - a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both; and,

Count 2: Underage Consumption of Alcoholic Beverage - a class B misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

Officers responded to the scene shortly afterward but were informed that the suspect had already fled the area, according to the affidavit filed in the District Court on January 7, 2026.

A search was conducted in the surrounding area, and officers later located the suspect near the Tafuna intersection close to the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS).

Officers approached the individual, identified themselves, and informed him of the reason for the contact. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and transported to the TPS for further investigation.

According to the affidavit, the disturbance began when the suspect walked onto the gas station property while smoking a cigarette. Employees at the station allegedly informed him that smoking was prohibited on the premises and told him to discard the cigarette or leave the area.

The victim told officers that he warned the suspect not to smoke on the property because it was dangerous and against station rules. Miracle allegedly responded with profanity and told him not to make him angry, adding that he would come back and set the gas station on fire. The victim said he felt threatened by the suspect’s words and actions.

Witnesses explained that Miracle became angry after being confronted. He allegedly cursed and warned that he would return and burn down the gas station. The employee reported that the suspect’s behavior caused a disturbance and prompted another individual on the scene to contact police for assistance.

When questioned by police, Miracle provided a written statement describing his version of events.

He said he had just returned from visiting a friend when he was told to stop and informed that he could not smoke on the gas station property. He claimed he told the employee “Merry Christmas” and repeated it when questioned.

Miracle stated that the employee stood up holding a broom and warned him to be careful or he would be struck. He said another man then approached and told him to go somewhere else to smoke. The suspect claimed the employee attempted to hit him with the broom and that they exchanged words.

He admitted telling the employee that he would burn him alive. He further stated that he went to get gasoline and grabbed a pipe before returning to the front of the gas station and threatened the employee again before leaving the area.

Both the victim and a reporting witness told officers they saw the suspect carrying a bottle containing gasoline in one hand and a pipe in the other during the confrontation.

Police noted that the suspect admitted he had consumed four cans of beer prior to the incident. Officers also reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol while interacting with him, indicating he was intoxicated at the time.

Upon arrival at the TPS, the suspect was advised of his constitutional rights and acknowledged understanding his rights.

The suspect was booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility (TCF), awaiting the next available sitting of the District Court.

The suspect is identified as a 19-year-old citizen of Samoa.

[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. ra]