Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 10, 2026, the Faga’itua Police Substation (FPS) received a call from a woman who reported that she was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend.

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 not more than $300, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree ( As a C Misd.), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of not more than $300, or both; and,

Count 3: Assault in the Third Degree ( As a class A Misd.), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not more than $1,000, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, a woman reported that her boyfriend, Ioane Pau (hereinafter the defendant), had assaulted her and was threatening to harm himself with a knife. The victim expressed fear for her safety and requested immediate police assistance.

Police officers arrived at the scene, and met up with the victim, who appeared visibly shaken. She identified herself as the reporting party and directed officers toward the defendant’s location.

The defendant was observed walking quickly toward a nearby residence, believed to belong to a relative of the victim, appearing to seek assistance.

Officers intercepted Pau before he reached the residence, and detained him without incident and escorted to the police unit while officers continued their investigation.

Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from the defendant’s breath and person, indicating that he was under the influence of alcohol during apprehension.

While officers secured Pau, another officer remained with the victim to conduct an interview. The victim stated that the defendant had returned home from work earlier that evening and began consuming alcohol. While intoxicated, Pau began an argument regarding a prior issue that had occurred approximately two weeks earlier.

The victim reported that Pau became increasingly agitated and began yelling. The situation escalated when the defendant armed himself with a knife and began acting erratically. She stated that Pau threatened to harm himself and proceeded to cut his own chest with the knife.

While doing so, he used his other arm to grab and restrain her. She said Pau grabbed her dress near the chest area, pulled her toward him, and wrapped his arm around her upper body in a manner that restricted her movement.

During the struggle, the knife made contact with her on multiple occasions, including her thumb area. The victim stated that she was held down for approximately one to one and a half minutes. Although she was still able to breathe, she described feeling frightened and unable to free herself immediately.

She eventually managed to break free from Pau’s grip and contacted law enforcement. The victim was asked if she required medical attention but declined.

Officers documented visible injuries by taking photographs for evidentiary purposes.

Further investigation revealed that the victim and the defendant reside together at the residence, which is owned by the victim. The victim stated that she no longer wished for the defendant to live with her following this incident.

Officers also contacted a nearby neighbor, who reported hearing loud yelling coming from the residence during the time of the incident but did not witness the altercation.

The defendant was transported to the FPS, where he was booked. Upon arrival, the defendant was asked if he required medical attention, which he declined. Due to his apparent level of intoxication, he was unable to provide a coherent statement at that time; therefore, no interview was conducted.

Pau was later transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility for confinement while awaiting his court appearance.

The defendant is identified as a 43-year-old citizen of Samoa.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on March 12, 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.]