Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 23, 2026, a caller from a car rental/ store business in Nuuuli contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) requesting police assistance.

The defendant 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;

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

Count 3: Property Damage in the Second Degree, 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.

According to the court affidavit, In response to the call, responding officers, proceeded to the reported location in a marked patrol unit. Upon arrival, officers observed a man, later identified as Taiai Taufetee, standing in front of the store. He appeared visibly agitated and was speaking loudly.

Officers approached Mr. Taufetee and made contact with him. He was asked to identify himself, at which time he provided his name. During this interaction, Taufetee remained uncooperative and continued to speak in an elevated and disruptive tone.

While officers were engaging with Taufetee, another officer spoke with a female employee of the store. The employee reported that prior to police arrival, Taufetee had been yelling loudly in front of the business, causing concern among staff and customers.

She further stated that a coworker approached Taufetee in an attempt to de-escalate the situation and asked him to leave the premises. According to the employee, Taufetee responded by physically pushing the coworker.

The coworker was also interviewed and confirmed that he had gone outside to assess the situation and request that Taufetee leave. During this interaction, Taufetee forcefully pushed him, causing him to stumble backward toward the entrance of the store. The coworker did not report serious injuries but stated that he felt threatened by Taufetee’s behavior.

The employee provided video footage showing Taufetee engaging in the described actions. The footage corroborated witness statements — showing Taufetee yelling loudly and making physical contact with the coworker.

Officers observed that Taufetee was holding an open and unsealed can of an alcohol beverage in one hand and a pipe in the other. Taufetee repeatedly stated that he had done nothing wrong. Officers noted several indicators of intoxication, including red, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, unsteady balance, and a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath.

For safety reasons, officers removed the items from Taufetee’s possession. Based on the statements obtained, observed behavior, and supporting video evidence, Taufetee was informed that he was being placed under arrest. He was escorted to the patrol unit and transported to the TPS.

Upon arrival at the station, Taufetee was placed in an interrogation room while one of the officers began completing the arrest and booking documentation. During this process, Taufetee became increasingly agitated and impatient. He stated that if there were no further questions, he intended to leave.

Police instructed him to remain seated and informed him that the booking process was still ongoing. However, when the officer briefly exited the interrogation room, a loud crashing noise was heard coming from inside the station. Officers immediately responded and discovered that Taufetee had shattered a large single-pane window located in the interrogation room. Broken glass was observed scattered throughout the room and into the adjacent hallway.

Taufetee sustained visible injuries to his hands and arms as a result of breaking the window. Officers secured the area and ensured no other individuals were harmed. First aid was administered, and Taufetee received medical attention for his injuries.

Following the incident, Taufetee was transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was confined pending his next scheduled appearance before the District Court.

The property damage resulting from the incident consisted of one large single-pane window in the interrogation room, which was completely shattered and rendered unusable.

The defendant is identified as a 52-year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on February 24, 2026.

[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.]