Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 9, 2026, a woman contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that her brother was allegedly causing a disturbance at their residence and also threatened a family member with a rake.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not more than $300, or both imprisonment and fine

The defendant’s bail was set at $300.

According to the court affidavit, the suspect, Tamotu Tiauli was reported as allegedly yelling loudly and causing a disturbance inside the family's residence in Aasu.

The woman who reported the incident also informed police that Tiauli had left the residence driving a vehicle. The desk officer advised the caller to contact police if the defendant returned to the residence.

Approximately 15 minutes later, police issued an all-points bulletin for the vehicle in connection with the reported disturbance.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on July 10, the defendant's sister contacted police again and reported that Tiauli had returned to the residence. She told officers she did not want him to remain in the home because of his repeated yelling incidents.

Several officers responded to the residence and observed Tiauli sitting inside the vehicle identified in the earlier report. Officers approached the vehicle and took him into custody without incident before transporting him to the TPS for further investigation.

While officers detained the defendant, investigators interviewed his sister regarding the incident.

According to the sister's statement, the family had gathered to discuss funeral arrangements for their late father when Tiauli allegedly became loud and repeatedly yelled inside the residence.

She told police that her four children were present during the incident and became frightened by the defendant's behavior. The sister further stated that Tiauli then walked outside, picked up a rake, and began walking toward her husband while holding it.

Fearing the situation would escalate into violence, she intervened and pushed the defendant away before he could reach her husband.

According to the affidavit, after being pushed away, Tiauli told his sister that she “needed to check on her husband”.

Police did not report any physical injuries resulting from the incident.

At the TPS, Tiauli was Mirandized and acknowledged understanding his rights, waived them, and agreed to provide a statement.

According to Tiauli, he admitted participating in some of the behavior described by his sister but did not admit to all of the allegations outlined in the police investigation.

Following the interview, Tiauli was booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was confined pending further court proceedings.

Court documents state that the defendant's sister requested that Tiauli not be allowed to return to the residence, explaining that the home belongs to her husband and is where she and her four children currently reside.

She also told investigators that although Tiauli currently lives at the residence, he frequently attempts to pressure her and another sibling into doing what he wants during family discussions, creating an ongoing conflict within the household.

Investigators further noted that Tiauli appeared to be intoxicated at the time of his arrest. According to police, he admitted consuming alcohol before the incident.

The matter remains before the court.

The defendant is identified as a 36-year-old U.S national.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on July 10, 2026.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

[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.]