Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — (February 11, 2026) A male individual contacted the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) regarding an alleged disturbance involving several employees outside a cannery facility in Satala.

The suspect, Toni Tusolotoni, was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Prohibited Place of Consumption, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both;

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the affidavit, filed in the District Court Feb. 13th, the incident was reported at approximately 8:47 p.m. by a security guard (reporter) at the StarKist compound. The reporter contacted Police Headquarters after observing a group of workers creating a disturbance near the front of the workplace, reportedly shouting loudly and drawing attention to a situation unfolding in the parking lot area.

Local officers were dispatched to the scene and they observed two men fleeing the area on foot. Officers immediately pursued both men in an effort to detain them for questioning. One of the men was apprehended after a brief chase, while the second one managed to escape and was not located despite a search of the surrounding area.

The apprehended man was later identified as Toni Tusolotoni.

Authorities reported that he was detained along the roadway leading uphill near the well-known Charlie the Tuna statue. During the apprehension, officers noted that Tusolotoni appeared visibly intoxicated and was unsteady on his feet. A further search revealed that he was concealing an open can of beer inside his pants, which officers confiscated as part of the investigation.

Police then escorted the suspect back toward the scene to verify his involvement. The reporter positively identified Tusolotoni as one of the individuals who had been actively shouting and contributing to the disturbance moments before police arrived.

In both his verbal and written statements to police, the reporter explained that he was stationed at the facility gate when several employees returned from their scheduled break. These workers were reportedly shouting that a fight was taking place in the parking lot area. This prompted concern among security personnel, including the reporter and two other guards, who then observed multiple individuals yelling and causing a commotion in front of the workplace.

The reporter further stated that due to the escalating nature of the disturbance and the number of individuals involved, he made the decision to contact police for assistance in restoring order and ensuring safety at the site.

Following his arrest, Tusolotoni was transported to the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) for processing. However, officers noted that due to his level of intoxication, he was unable to provide a coherent statement regarding the incident at that time.

He was subsequently booked on charges related to public disturbance and intoxication. After processing, Tusolotoni was transferred to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was held pending the next available sitting of the District Court.

Court records also reveal that the suspect was specifically identified as one of the workers who had been shouting in the parking lot area prior to police intervention, contributing to the disturbance reported by security personnel.

Authorities also noted that the second individual who fled the scene remains unidentified, and efforts to locate him were unsuccessful at the time of the report.

Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional individuals being involved in the incident.

[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. ra]