Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 21, 2025, a routine police response to a disturbance at the Satala Gas Station on Saturday morning ended in two arrests later that same day.

The defendants were charged with Count 1: Prohibited Place of Consumption, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine not to exceed $500, or both imprisonment and fine;

Both defendants were held without bail.

According to court affidavits, filed in the District Court on Dec. 22nd for each arrest, police officers responded to a report around 9:30 a.m. regarding several men drinking and causing a public disturbance near the gas station.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a shirtless individual who appeared to be highly intoxicated. The man was later identified as Iosua Mikaele.

Witnesses, identified as StarKist Samoa employees, told police that Mikaele had been acting aggressively toward them during their work break. The employees said they did not wish to press charges but asked police to disperse the group.

Officers confiscated several alcoholic beverages found around the area and dispersed the crowd. Some individuals were directed toward buses and taxis. Mikaele was transported by officers to the Fagatogo Market bus stop, where he was given bus fare and advised to return home.

However, around 2:15 p.m., while patrolling through the market area, officers again encountered Mikaele  — this time drinking publicly with Sanele Pesepa Paulo, one of the men involved in the earlier incident. Police said both men were seated at the bus stop sharing a 24-pack of beer, with multiple empty cans scattered nearby.

Both men were arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

Officers transported them to the Fagatogo Central Police Station for booking before transferring them to the Tafuna Correctional Facility for detention and further processing.

A police spokesperson noted that open-container laws prohibit consuming alcoholic beverages in public spaces such as markets, parks, and business areas. Violations can result in fines or jail time, particularly for repeat offenders.

[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]