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Man ‘reeking of alcohol’ on Christmas morning threatens suicide

Territorial Correctional Facility, TCF
blue@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man who threatened to "jump out of the police unit and commit suicide" will appear in court for his pretrial conference on January 10, 2019.

Manaia Lalokou is charged with public peace disturbance and resisting arrest, following an incident that occurred early Christmas morning in Leone.

According to the criminal complaint, police were contacted for assistance after Lalokou was heard shouting profanities inside his home.

The court affidavit notes that when cops arrived, Lalokou's family members — who were waiting outside — told police that Lalokou was asleep.

In the middle of the conversation, cops could hear the defendant making unreasonable noises inside the home. Permission was granted for police to enter the residence.

When they did, they observed the defendant being held down by his sister and brother-in-law. The defendant was trying to release himself from their grip but cops were able to cuff him. He continued to resist.

Lalokou was immediately transported to the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF) because he threatened to jump out of the police unit and kill himself, when he was placed in the back seat.

According to police, Lalokou reeked of alcohol.

The defendant's sister told investigators that Lalokou left home the night before and they were surprised when he came home intoxicated, yelling profanities, and attempting to throw things around the house. She told police that she and her husband grabbed him, tried to hold him down, and poured cold water on him — all in an attempt to keep him calm.

During court proceedings yesterday, Judge Fiti Sunia asked about Lalokou's immigration status. An immigration officer who was present in court said Lalokou came to the territory on a 30-day permit and his ID expires January 16, 2019.

Sunia released Lalokou on his own recognizance and ordered him to remain sober and maintain peace at home.

Lalokou's sponsor — a female — who was present in court, was told by Judge Sunia that the law imposes certain responsibilities on sponsors of foreigners. For example, if Lalokou is indebted to the government (i.e. fines) "it is your responsibility," Sunia said, adding that is also her responsibility, as a sponsor, to ensure that Lalokou doesn't end up in court.

To Lalokou, Sunia said, "You didn't come here on a permit so you can end up in court."