Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 13, 2025, a man called the Tafuna Police Substation and reported that he was assaulted.

The suspect was apprehended and charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Property Damage in the Third Degree, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both;

Count 3: Private Peace Disturbance, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both; and,

Count 4: Resisting Arrest, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendant’s bail was set at $2,000.

Court records stated that on July 13th, around 12:30 a.m., TPS received a call from a man (later identified as the victim) requesting police assistance for an ongoing property damage incident at the TMJ Mart in Pavaiai village.

Police officers upon arrival at the scene, met with a man (later identified as the suspect’s brother) who briefed the officers about what happened.

According to the suspect’s brother, his brother’s name is Amona Tafa. He stated that the suspect was highly intoxicated and had been consuming alcohol since evening time. He explained that he does not recall the exact time, but everyone including the suspect were playing pool. Out of nowhere, the suspect punched the victim in the face which caused him to fall and lose consciousness.

The brother further stated that with the help of others inside the house, they separated the suspect from the victim and instructed the suspect to go home. The suspect yelled profanities and then left.

A few hours later, the suspect was observed walking back towards the house and was again told to leave. After being told to leave, they heard a bang as if someone threw something at a car. When they came outside, they saw the rear window of the victim’s car damaged. The suspect’s brother said that he had enough of the suspect’s misconduct and advised to contact the police.

The suspect’s brother directed the officers to where the suspect was sitting. The suspect was surrounded by his parents, wife and sister. Police officers approached the suspect and tried to control the individuals around the scene.

The suspect was observed with a swollen eye and when asked who did it, he stated that he didn't know what happened.

Authorities informed the suspect that he would be taken into the TPS for further investigation; however, Amona shook his head and claimed he didn’t do anything. The officers repeated multiple times why he needed to go to the station but he stood up and tried to get away from the officers.

The officers tried to place handcuffs on the suspect but he yanked his hands away and attempted to flee; but, he was subdued and started yelling at the officers and telling them they will regret what they were doing to him.

The suspect was successfully apprehended and his family could be heard telling him not to resist but he refused to obey. The suspect was placed inside the police unit.

The officers then met with the victim who confirmed the suspect’s brother’s statement. The victim stated that he does not know why the suspect punched him and damaged his car. The victim refused to be treated by the EMS when he was asked if he needed a medical help.

The suspect was Mirandized to which he understood and agreed to make a statement.

According to the suspect, he does not recall anything that happened because he was too drunk. He claimed he doesn’t remember punching the victim and damaging his car.

He stated that he only remembers the time when the officers transported him to the police station. The suspect only gave a verbal statement but refused to make a written statement.

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

The defendant is identified as a 29-year-old citizen of Samoa.