Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 8, 2026, police responded to a disturbance in Petesa after a woman allegedly caused a commotion in her neighborhood while intoxicated, shouting profanities and engaging in an argument with her husband. 

The suspect, Melissa Bernard, was taken into custody and later charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year a fine of not more than $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine; and,
Count 2: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine not to exceed $500, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court records, the incident was reported to the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) at approximately 10:28 p.m. A caller requested police assistance regarding an ongoing disturbance.

Officers from two police units responded to the residence. Upon arrival, officers reportedly heard shouting and a commotion coming from the area. They approached the scene and encountered approximately eight to nine individuals who appeared distressed.

Police separated the individuals in an effort to prevent the situation from escalating.

Officers learned that several of those present were neighbors who had heard Melissa Bernard shouting and creating a disturbance. The officers then made contact with Bernard, who was reportedly wearing a ripped shirt and appeared to be crying and distressed. 

Officers attempted to calm her and instructed her not to continue engaging in the situation while police handled the matter. The report stated that the officers observed signs that Bernard was intoxicated, with red and bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol. 

Despite repeated attempts by officers to calm her, she allegedly continued behaving in a disorderly manner and was noncompliant with police instructions.

Bernard was subsequently apprehended and transported to the TPS. During the investigation, police interviewed the suspect’s husband, who told officers that he had been drinking with Bernard at the residence when the two became involved in a verbal argument.

According to the victim's account, he eventually decided to leave the residence and walked toward a neighbor's home to ask for a ride to his residence in Fogagogo. He alleged that Bernard did not want him to leave and followed him as he walked towards the neighbor's residence.

The victim reported that Bernard punched him approximately five times. He stated that he pushed her away in an effort to defend himself before continuing towards the neighbor's residence. Meanwhile, Bernard allegedly continued yelling and causing a disturbance, prompting a neighbor to contact police.

The victim was later examined by officers, who documented several visible injuries. These reportedly included bruising under his right eye, bruising on his arm near the shoulder, scratches to his upper body and a cut behind his left index finger.

The victim declined medical assistance.

Police documented photographs of the reported injuries as part of the investigation.

Bernard reportedly remained disorderly and noncompliant after being transported to the station.

The affidavit further stated that Bernard was not read her constitutional rights at that time because officers considered her to be intoxicated and noncompliant.

Bernard was subsequently booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility at approximately 11:26 p.m.

The defendant is identified as a 35-year-old U.S national.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on August 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.]