Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 12, 2023 at about 10p.m., a woman called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) requesting police assistance with her son, Rintel I’atala, who was making unreasonable noises at the their house in Amouli.  She said she had left their home and was staying at a relative’s house until Rintel was removed from her premises.

Officers responded to the call and upon arrival in Amouli, met with the mother who reported the incident, and she verbally stated that Rintel had been drinking earlier in front of their house, playing loud music and yelling out profanities.

The woman also stated that this is not the first time her son had displayed such behavior. The woman said that she was tired of his disrespectful attitude, and she would not go back to their house until her son was removed. After interviewing the woman, an officer was dispatched to locate I’atala at the residence in Amouli.

Upon arrival at the residence, responding officers observed no one outside the house.

Officer’s proceeded to call out to I’atele by name a few times, and observed him inside the house. They then asked him to step outside. I’atala was detained at the residence and taken to the FPS for further questioning.

Upon arrival at the FPS, I’atala was Mirandized and he waived his rights and agreed to answer questions.

I’atala then stated verbally he was having a few drinks and playing his music when his mom bugged him when he was minding his own business and he did not do anything wrong.

During the booking process, officers detected a strong alcoholic odor emitting from the defendant's breath. I’atala was then transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility awaiting the next sitting of District Court.

He had an initial court appearance on June 13, 2023, and is being charged with one count of public peace disturbance with bail set at $300.