Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In February of this year an investigation revealed that a man allegedly assaulted his wife who was carrying their child in her arms.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $1,000.

(Samoa News has withheld the names of those involved to protect the identity of the minor and victim in this case.)

According to the court affidavit, on Feb. 24th, at around 11:00 p.m., the victim was assaulted by her husband (later identified as the suspect).

The suspect allegedly hit the victim’s head against the wall at their house while the suspect was carrying their child, who is six months old. The victim and suspect were living together at the suspect’s house in Pago Pago.

Police officers proceeded to the said call and upon arrival, they interviewed the victim. The officers observed that the victim’s left eye was bruised but she refused treatment after being asked if she needed medical attention.

According to the victim’s verbal statement, on February 24th, at around 11:00 p.m., her husband (suspect) was angry because of the bills and the air conditioner being turned on. Later on that night as they were in bed, the suspect could not hold his anger any longer and that’s when he hit her head against the wall while she was carrying their six-month old child.

The officers asked the victim if she could make her way to the police unit to be transported to the FPS for further investigation, whereas the victim brought her child with her.

The victim told the officers that the suspect was with his fautasi crew, and that was where he was located and taken to the FPS. Upon arrival at the station, the suspect was placed inside a different room for questioning.

The officers Mirandized the suspect where he refused to cooperate.

He was later booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility for confinement for 48 hours. Authorities also contacted the EMT and Social Services for assistance.

The victim was treated and officers photographed her injuries for evidence.

The suspect is identified as a 41-year-old citizen of Samoa. The victim is 26 years old and also a citizen of Samoa.