Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On April 26, 2026, local police officers responded to a reported assault incident in Vaitogi, where a man allegedly assaulted a man with a hammer.

Veni Ofoia was later charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Second Degree (DV), a class D felony punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed five years, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment by a term of imprisonment not to exceed fifteen days, a fine of not more than $300, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, officers responded to the reported assault where the suspect allegedly attacked the victim several hours earlier at a residence connected to the suspect.

The victim told police he was at the suspect’s residence at approximately 5:00 a.m. when the confrontation occurred. During the encounter, Ofoia struck the victim multiple times with a hammer.

Police later interviewed the victim’s mother, who reportedly transported her son to the hospital for medical treatment following the assault. She contacted authorities while at the hospital to report the incident, but later left due to emotional distress after seeing the extent of her son’s injuries. As a result, investigators were initially unable to obtain a medical report at that time.

Court records state that the victim’s mother also informed officers that the suspect and the victim are related through family ties and that previous disputes between the two parties had allegedly been resolved through traditional Samoan customary practices.

However, despite those prior efforts, she reportedly expressed fear for her family’s safety following the latest incident and told investigators she was concerned additional violence could occur in the future.

Investigators also interviewed the victim, who provided both verbal and written statements regarding the alleged assault.

According to court affidavits, the victim stated that Ofoia repeatedly struck him with a hammer, targeting both forearms, knees, and lower legs. The victim reported suffering pain, swelling, and visible injuries from the incident.

The victim further told police that the altercation is connected to an unpaid debt. The victim admitted he had previously borrowed money from the suspect and had not repaid it.

The court affidavit further stated that after the assault, the victim later encountered Ofoia outside a store, where the suspect allegedly threatened him. According to the victim’s statement, Ofoia warned him, “If I see you again, I will shoot you with my gun.”

Authorities included the alleged threat as part of their investigation.

During the investigation, officers observed several injuries on the victim that investigators stated appeared consistent with blunt force trauma. Police documented multiple puncture-type wounds and lacerations on both forearms, swelling and bruising on both knees, and abrasions and bruising on the victim’s lower legs. Officers photographed the injuries and collected

the images as evidence.

Based on witness statements, the victim’s account, and the physical injuries observed, investigators concluded there was probable cause to believe that Veni Jr. Ofoia intentionally caused physical injury to the victim using a dangerous instrument.

After interviewing the victim, officers attempted to locate Ofoia at his residence. However, the search was later discontinued due to officer safety concerns after authorities received information indicating the suspect might be armed with a firearm.

Investigators stated the decision to suspend the search was made by the Watch Commander because of the late-night conditions and the potential danger to responding officers.

The matter remains under investigation.

The defendant is identified as a 43 year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on April 28, 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.]