Elderly woman distressed by drunk nephew

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On April 30, 2026, a woman called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) regarding her nephew who was allegedly causing a disturbance and threatening her in front of their residence in Aua while intoxicated. Authorities identified the defendant as Isaia Pulega who 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 not to exceed $300, or both imprisonment and fine. The defendant was held without bail. According to the court affidavit, the caller requested that the defendant be removed from the family home because of his aggressive behavior. Officers responding to the scene reportedly encountered an elderly woman standing outside her residence appearing visibly distressed. Investigators stated that officers also observed an elderly man standing nearby while the defendant allegedly yelled threats towards the residence. The officers observed Pulega threatening the elderly woman and allegedly stating that he would assault her. Authorities immediately detained the defendant and conducted a pat-down search for weapons. Court records state that during the detention, Pulega resisted officers by pulling away and attempting to yank an officer’s arm away while police attempted to secure him. Officers ultimately placed the defendant into a police vehicle, where investigators said he continued yelling profanities at the responding officers. Police also reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol coming from the defendant’s breath and clothing during the arrest. The officers later interviewed the reporting party at the family residence regarding the disturbance. Court documents state the woman told police that the defendant, who is her nephew, had returned home earlier that morning after work and immediately began drinking alcohol outside the residence. The reporter said that the defendant allegedly started drinking around 3:30 a.m. while playing loud music and inviting others to drink with him in front of the home. The defendant and his friends later purchased additional alcohol and continued drinking into the morning and early afternoon. The situation reportedly escalated around 11:00 a.m. when the reporter asked the defendant to lower the volume of the music and stop making excessive noise. The defendant allegedly became verbally aggressive and shouted profanities at his aunt while refusing to comply with her requests. Investigators said the defendant allegedly continued yelling offensive language, throwing objects around the residence, and challenging his aunt to fight him physically. The neighbors heard the disturbance but were reportedly afraid to approach the residence because of the defendant’s behavior. Fearing the situation would escalate further, the reporter contacted police for assistance. After interviewing the parties involved, officers transported Pulega to the FPS for processing. Authorities later booked him and transferred him to the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending his appearance before the District Court. Court documents also noted that the defendant sustained minor scratches to his right knee and the right side of his face during the incident. However, investigators stated that he refused medical treatment for those injuries. The defendant is identified as a 52-year-old citizen of Samoa. The affidavit was filed in the District Court on May 1, 2026. As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. [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.] Section: Local News Tags: court report
2026-05-22 17:18:36