Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 8, 2024, Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a call reporting an accident in Pavaiai that involved a 72-year-old being hit by a car.

The defendant was later charged with Count 1: Careless Driving — a class B misdemeanor punishable by a term of up to 6 months, a fine of up to $500.00, or both.

According to the affidavit, on July 8th, at about 6:47 p.m, TPS received a call regarding an old man that was struck by a vehicle on the Pavaiai public highway.

Police officers responded to the scene and upon arrival observed an unoccupied vehicle with hazard lights on in front of the Haleck’s building. An unknown male approached the officers and stated that the driver of the vehicle was on his way with the victim to the hospital in another vehicle.

Investigation disclosed that the defendant, who was later identified as Leota,Tuiai, was traveling east on the eastbound lane on the Pavaiai public highway. At about 6:42 p.m, Leota struck a male pedestrian that was crossing the road on the left front side of the vehicle. It was raining at the time of incident, and the pedestrian is a 72-year-old male.

According to the defendant, he has one eye and cannot see clearly when driving at night. Upon approaching the curb in front of the Pavaia Gas Station, he slowed down but it was too late to hit the brakes when the vehicle struck the victim.

Mr. Leota stated that he stopped and exited his vehicle to render aid to the victim and called out to his cousin to help him carry the victim into his (cousin’s) vehicle.

The defendant then drove his cousin’s vehicle and left the scene of the accident to meet up with the EMS unit that was on its way. He stated that they met up with the EMS in Nu’uuli and the victim was transported to the hospital while he made his way back to Pavaiai.

The defendant was cited for careless driving.

According to the affidavit, the victim’s test results at the hospital came out okay, however he complained of pain from the impact.

Leota is identified as a 50-year-old U.S National.