Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man in his 20s who was the subject of a video that circulated online of an alleged police brutality incident, Sone Wilson has been charged.

Wilson made his initial appearance in the District Court earlier this week and is facing charges of public peace disturbance; resisting arrest and property damage in the second degree.

According to the government’s case, on Feb 4, 2023 the Fagatogo police station contacted Leone Police Substation regarding a burning bus in front of Western Union in Puapua, Leone.

“We were instructed by Lieutenant F. Moafanua to attend the said matter. Upon arrival at the scene, we observed the traffic was slowly moving, some vehicles pulled over to the side while other vehicles detoured from the front of the Jeli Mart’s parking lot. 

“We also observed small crowds of people taking photos and videos near the scene, therefore we dispersed them and blocked both east and west bound lanes. However, some vehicles refused to obey but were still going close to the burning scene. 

“We also observed a big white 6-wheel tire bus parking near the eastbound lane of Leone public highway with fire burning under the left rear tire and full of smoke inside of the bus.”

The criminal complaint states that after securing the burning bus, the police gathered in front of the Leone Post Office to secure the highway and guide vehicles to the left side of Jeli Mart’s parking lot to keep the traffic flowing.

“Later, the fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. While the firefighters were trying to put out the fire, an unknown male individual riding his bike stopped behind the bus on the other side of Jeli Mart and talked to a bystander near the bus stop.

“After their conversation, the unknown man continued riding near the burning bus” and police stopped the bike. 

“While walking towards, undersigned (officer Masoli Matai’a) observed the man swing his left elbow and [it] landed on officer Leifi’s left chest, therefore Officer Leifi took him down assisted by Officer Felise, but the man was still resisting.”

According to the complaint, during the apprehension, Officers Leifi and Mataafa tried placing handcuffs on the suspect, but he continued to resist and was shouting out asking why they were arresting him and still refused to place his hands behind his back.

“Therefore [Matai’a] grabbed suspect[’s] left leg and bent [it] over, he then complied with the police.

“Officer Leifi used two cuffs and placed them on the suspect to avoid injury because he was still resisting and he was placed inside the rear right side of the police unit.”

It’s alleged the vehicle door was open and the defendant took off running while in cuffs. Police chased after him and grabbed his shirt where they both fell onto the ground.

“Suspect continued making unreasonable noises, then [they] again placed him inside the police unit and transported to Leone substation for the booking process.”

At the station, suspect was still making unreasonable noises and called officers “stupid” and they didn’t know how to do their job. 

Officer Matai’a placed the warning of rights document in front of him and tried to explain what’s going to happen. 

“However, the suspect stood up from his seat and shouted, “Take your shit away, I am not making a statement or doing anything you guys ask. I don’t want to talk to any of you stupid officers!

“I’m going to get my boys and you are all going to get it from us!

“I have killed people so don’t test me.”

The government claims that more threats were made at the Leone Substation while officers were trying to complete the booking process. 

Lt. Fiailoa Moafanua attempted numerous times to calm the suspect, but he continued to shout, the report says.

It’s alleged that as soon as Officer Matai’a turned his back, the defendant grabbed his cellphone and threw it on the ground damaging the phone.