Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In July 2026, an Ofu man was arrested and brought to Tutuila for further investigation after he allegedly committed assault in the Third Degree that involved a firearm following an altercation involving his son. 

The suspect was charged with:

Count 1: Unlawful Use of Weapons, a class D felony punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine not to exceed $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not more than $300, or both; and,

Count 3, 4, & 5: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not more than $1,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $15,000.

According to the court affidavit, the incident occurred on July 22, 2026, at approximately noon in Ofu, Manu'a. Police received a report identifying So'oula Tamasga as the individual allegedly involved in the incident.

The investigation began after a witness reported the matter to the Ofu/ Olosega Police Substation. 

The witness told police that he was at the wharf waiting for the cargo vessel Talitiga when he observed Tamasaga driving his vehicle toward another man (later identified as the victim).

According to the witness, Tamasaga’s vehicle came close to the victim and nearly struck him. He reported seeing Tamasaga exit his vehicle while carrying a handgun.

Police said the witness described the firearm as a ".38" handgun and reported seeing Tamasaga walk toward the victim and allegedly point the firearm at the victim’s head and threaten to shoot him, telling him that he would make a hole in his head.

The witness further stated that after the alleged threat, the suspect returned to his vehicle and left the area.

Another witness reportedly provided a similar account to investigators. According to police, the witness stated that he observed the suspect approach the victim with a handgun and place the firearm against the victim’s head. The second witness reportedly told police that Tamasaga was angry with the victim because of an earlier altercation between his son and the victim. 

The witness also stated that the suspect appeared to be intoxicated during the incident.

A third witness reportedly provided an account similar to the first witness regarding the confrontation at the wharf.

The alleged victim also gave a statement to police. According to the victim, Tamasaga’s vehicle nearly struck him before he approached him with a firearm, placing the gun against his head and questioned him about the altercation involving his son.

POLICE TRAVEL TO OFU

Because a firearm was allegedly used in the incident, police officials decided to travel to Ofu the following morning to investigate the matter and recover the firearm.

On July 23, 2026, at approximately 6:07 a.m., authorities traveled by plane to Ofu. The officers were dispatched to retrieve the firearm and take the suspect into custody.

Upon arrival in Ofu, the officers went to Tamasaga’s residence where they met with the suspect. He consented to a search of his vehicle and home for firearms.

During the search, officers discovered three firearms and ammunition.

According to the affidavit, the firearms included a .41-caliber revolver, a .22-caliber rifle, and a 12-gauge shotgun. Police also recovered .22-caliber ammunition.

Investigators reported that the .41-caliber revolver was loaded with three rounds, and the .22-caliber rifle was also reportedly loaded with one round chambered.

Tamasaga was subsequently taken into custody, and the firearms were secured by police.

DEFENDANT ADMITS CONFRONTATION

Tamasaga was transported from Ofu to Tutuila for further investigation.

After arriving at the Fagatogo Central Police Station (FPS), the suspect was Mirandized and he indicated that he understood his rights and agreed to waive them.

He subsequently provided investigators with both a verbal and written statement.

According to police, Tamasaga acknowledged that he was angry with the victim because of the altercation involving his son.

Tamsaga reportedly told investigators that he had gone to the wharf to wait for the cargo vessel, and while there, he saw the victim and approached him.

The suspect admitted that he placed a firearm against the victim’s head. He reportedly said that he then lowered the firearm, returned to his vehicle and left the area, eventually going home.

FIREARMS ALLEGEDLY NOT REGISTERED TO DEFENDANT

During the investigation, police also questioned the suspect regarding the firearms found at his residence.

The suspect stated that the firearms were not registered in his name.

Tamasaga claimed that the .41-caliber revolver had been given to him by a reverend (faifeau) from Manu'a. He reportedly said that the .22-caliber rifle had been given to him by another man, while the 12-gauge shotgun belonged to his father-in-law.

Investigators subsequently conducted an inquiry with the Department of Public Safety Records Division.

The records check confirmed that Tamasaga did not possess a firearm license for any of the three firearms recovered during the search.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on July 24, 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.]