Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 30, 2025, a concerned mother contacted the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported that her older son allegedly assaulted her 12-year-old son. The mother claimed she was concerned for the safety of her other children and wanted the suspect away from them.

The suspect was arrested and later charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

(Samoa News has withheld the names of those involved to protect the identity of the minor involved in this case.)

According to the court affidavit, on July 30th, at about 9:33 p.m., traffic officers were on patrol heading west when they were dispatched to a call from Fagaalu —  woman (reporter) claimed that her older son (suspect) assaulted her younger son (victim), who is a minor.

Police officers upon arrival at the scene, saw a male (later identified as the suspect) who was picking up the trash in front of a house. The reporter approached the officers accompanied by her 17-year-old son (witness) and 12-year-old son (victim). She briefed them regarding the incident.

According to the reporter, her 17-year-old son (witness) arrived home and told her about the suspect assaulting the victim. She approached the suspect and asked him why he assaulted the victim. She stated that she detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from the suspect at the time.

The suspect started a disturbance and walked towards the witness and tried to punch him. The reporter informed the officers that she felt overwhelmed with her older son’s behavior as he continued to challenge the witness to fight with him. She also noted that this has been an ongoing issue with the suspect ever since he started hanging out and drinking with his friends.

The witness was also interviewed and he stated that his older brother (suspect) grabbed his younger brother by the collar and punched him under his chin. He then yanked the victim by his arm and pulled him towards him, where he attempted to punch the victim.

The victim corroborated the witness’s statement in the presence of his mother. He also refused medical treatment and stated that he was okay. No injuries were observed on the victim.

After interviewing both parties, the suspect was transported to the FPS for booking.

He was confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 23-year-old U.S National.