Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 19, 2026, local police responded to a reported domestic disturbance from a concerned mother at a residence in Petesa.

The suspect was later arrest and charged with Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days , a fine of not more than $300, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendant was held without bail.

(Samoa News has not used the names of those involved in the incident to protect the identity of the minor.)

According to the court affidavit, the incident was reported by the defendant’s mother, who contacted authorities alleging that her son was creating a disturbance inside their family home. Officers responded to the call shortly thereafter; however, upon arrival at the residence, the defendant had already fled the scene.

Police made contact with the reporter, who was seated inside the ground floor of the two-story home. She invited officers inside to provide further details regarding the incident. Another resident was present during the interview.

The reporter appeared shaken as she explained that her son had been yelling loudly and using profane language throughout the house.

The reporter told authorities that during the outburst, the defendant allegedly made a violent threat, stating that he would “cut off everyone’s heads with a machete.” She claimed that the threat caused fear among those inside the home, especially considering the presence of multiple occupants, including an elderly man and a minor.

At the time of the incident, several individuals were inside the residence. The affidavit stated that the defendant, his mother, his young son, and his girlfriend were upstairs during the confrontation, while an elderly man and another individual were downstairs.

Both individuals downstairs later told police that they could hear the defendant shouting profanities in Samoan as the argument unfolded above them.

It was alleged that the disturbance stemmed from a disagreement over household responsibilities involving guests staying at the residence. Investigators later contacted the defendant’s wife, who went to the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to provide a written statement.

In her statement, the defendant’s wife explained that the argument began when the defendant’s mother instructed the suspect to prepare tea for another individual staying at the home. The defendant reportedly responded that the guest was already downstairs having tea with the elderly man. This response allegedly angered the mother, who accused him of being disrespectful and not listening to her instructions, which then escalated into a heated verbal confrontation.

Moreover, the defendant refused to comply with his mother’s request and allegedly said he would only prepare food for his wife and their son. This refusal appeared to intensify the situation, leading to raised voices, swearing, and the alleged threats.

At approximately 2:04 p.m. the same day, police returned to the residence in an effort to locate the defendant. The reporter granted officers permission to enter the home and informed them that the defendant had returned. Officers then entered the residence, located the defendant inside, and placed him under arrest without incident.

Following the arrest, authorities conducted additional interviews with individuals present at the home. The defendant’s wife told investigators that she did not hear any threats being made, explaining that she had been asleep during the initial altercation.

However, she confirmed waking up to find her husband engaged in a heated argument with his mother.

Police also spoke with the couple’s 9-year-old son in the presence of his mother.

According to the affidavit, the child reported hearing his father threaten to cut off someone’s head with a machete during the argument. This statement was noted as part of the investigation.

The suspect was subsequently booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remained in custody to await the next sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 30-year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on February 20, 2026, and subsequently transferred to the Family, Drug and Alcohol Division of the High Court.

[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. Under local law, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the court.]