Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 19, 2025, a father called the Leone Police Substation (LPS) and reported his son who was allegedly causing a disturbance in their home.

The suspect was later arrested and 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: Property Damage in the Third Degree (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both.

There was no bail set for the defendant.

According to the court affidavit, on July 19th, at around 6:54 a.m., a man/ victim contacted the LPS and reported that his son, Faleulu Tuipala (hereinafter suspect) was allegedly causing a disturbance at their home.

The father briefly explained that his son was intoxicated and had instigated a fight with him. Faleulu had also damaged the interior walls and the front door of his home and left holes in them. Faleulu was reported to be under the influence at the time of the incident.

The victim stated that “this was an ongoing matter” — that whenever Faleulu was intoxicated he would always cause a disturbance at their home.

The victim informed the officers that he felt threatened and tired of the suspect’s behavior so he contacted the authorities immediately.

Police officers went to Taputimu and upon arrival at the scene, they noticed the victim sitting in front of his house looking upset. The officers approached the victim for an interview.

He explained to the officers that the suspect came home from the hospital at around 6:30 a.m (after receiving treatment from another incident he was involved in). He stated that the suspect was disruptive towards him and started damaging their property. The suspect also yelled profanities in Samoan and tried to fight him but he walked away and called the police.

The victim informed the authorities that he no longer wants the suspect to stay at their home.

The victim pointed to the room that the suspect was inside, and officers approached Faleulu and apprehended him. He was transported to the LPS for further investigation.

Upon arrival at the station, Faleulu was Mirandized. He understood his rights and agreed to answer questions.

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