Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 21, 2025, police were called to a residence in the village of Pavaiai following reports of a domestic disturbance involving an intoxicated man.

Authorities said the incident caused significant alarm among family members and raised concerns about the emotional impact on the children who witnessed the confrontation.

The suspect was later charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not more than $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 not to exceed $1,000, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

(Samoa News has withheld the names of those involved to protect the identities of the minors involved.)

According to the court affidavit, filed in District Court on Dec. 22, 2025, the incident, which took place on Dec. 21st, was reported by family members to authorities, requesting assistance with a relative who was reportedly intoxicated and acting in an aggressive and disorderly manner at the family home.

Responding officers were informed that the suspect had been verbally abusive toward his mother-in-law and was causing a disturbance that could not be safely handled by the family alone.

Upon arrival at the residence, officers made contact with the reporting party and the victim, both of whom provided an initial account of the events leading up to the call.

Police were told that the suspect had been drinking alcohol for an extended period and was eating behind the house near the umu area when he cracked the plate he was using.

The victim reportedly approached the suspect and asked why the plate had been broken. In response, the suspect allegedly became verbally aggressive and began yelling profanities, stating that it was none of her concern. Another family member attempted to intervene, advising the suspect to calm down and show respect.

However, the suspect continued yelling profanities and appeared increasingly agitated. Police were told that the suspect then walked away from the residence toward a nearby plantation area while continuing to shout profanities.

Fearing the situation could escalate further, especially with children present at the home, family members contacted authorities for assistance.

Officers later interviewed the victim, who stated that she heard a loud cracking sound coming from behind the house and went to investigate. She reported that when she questioned the suspect about the broken plate, he responded with hostility and continued yelling profanities at her.

The victim also stated that the suspect had been drinking alcohol throughout the night and continued drinking into the morning hours.

While officers were still on scene gathering information, loud yelling and profanities were heard coming from the direction of the plantation area previously identified by the family. Officers proceeded toward the area and located the suspect, who continued to behave in a disorderly manner.

The suspect was positively identified and taken into custody without further incident.

As officers escorted the suspect back to the police unit, he claimed that he had been assaulted by another individual. Officers later followed up on this claim and identified the individual involved.

A statement was obtained indicating that the individual had attempted to de-escalate the situation after the suspect continued yelling profanities at a family elder. The individual stated that the suspect elbowed him in the mouth, prompting him to strike the suspect once in self-defense before leaving the area to avoid further conflict.

The suspect was transported to the Tafuna Police Substation for further investigation.

Upon arrival, he was advised of his constitutional rights, which he acknowledged understanding and agreed to waive before providing a statement to police.

In his statement, the suspect denied the allegations and said he did not understand why police had been contacted. He expressed frustration with his sister-in-law and claimed that he was struck without justification. Police later determined that the witness’s account was consistent with the earlier information provided at the scene.

Based on the suspect’s conduct prior to officers’ arrival, his continued disorderly behavior, and the statements obtained during the investigation, police placed the suspect under arrest.

He was subsequently booked and transported to the Territorial Correctional Facility, where he was confined pending the next available sitting of the District Court.

Police also noted in their report that the suspect’s two minor children, ages seven and nine, were present during the incident. Officers observed the children crying and appearing visibly distressed, underscoring concerns about the impact of the disturbance on their safety and emotional well-being.

The defendant is identified as a 35 year-old citizen of Samoa.

[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]