Man yelling and looking for lawn mower enters house without permission

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 6, 2026, a woman called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported that a man allegedly entered her home unlawfully and caused a disturbance. The suspect, later identified as Utusia Iuta was arrested and charged with Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed fifteen days, a fine of not more than $300, or both imprisonment and fine. The defendant was held without bail. According to the court affidavit, the incident was reported at approximately 11:18 a.m., and police officers were dispatched to the scene and upon arrival approximately 20 minutes later made contact with the victim, who identified herself and immediately briefed police regarding the reported incident. The victim appeared visibly distressed while recounting what had occurred moments earlier. Police also spoke with an older female family member who was present inside the residence at the time of the incident. Investigators noted in their report that the witness appeared shaken and frightened during the initial interview process. According to the victim’s statement, the defendant arrived at the residence looking for a lawn mower. Court affidavits allege that Iuta entered the home without permission and began yelling profanities in Samoan while inside the residence. The victim reportedly told investigators that she had recently finished showering when she saw the defendant inside the kitchen area of her home. She stated that she immediately instructed him to leave the residence, but he refused. Moreover, the defendant continued yelling profanities and allegedly threatened to kill the victim during the confrontation. The victim also alleged Iuta attempted to grab her by the neck with open hands while making threatening remarks. The victim further told officers that similar incidents involving the defendant had allegedly occurred before, although no additional details regarding prior incidents were included in the affidavit. The police report indicates that the defendant left the residence shortly after the victim contacted authorities for assistance. While officers remained at the scene collecting statements and documenting the incident, the other officers began searching the surrounding area for the defendant. During the investigation, police interviewed a second witness, who told authorities she had been sleeping when she was awakened by loud banging noises at the residence. The witness stated she observed the defendant enter the home and continue yelling despite being instructed to leave. The witness further told investigators that she observed the victim attempt to remove the defendant from the residence before the situation escalated into verbal threats. Both witnesses provided consistent accounts regarding the defendant’s alleged behavior inside the home. A short time later, officers returned to the scene after locating and detaining Iuta. The defendant was taken into custody without incident and transported to the FPS for further investigation and processing. Investigators noted in the affidavit that no visible physical injuries were observed on the victim at the time officers conducted their investigation. Police also documented that the witness interviewed at the scene is related to the defendant, though authorities stated the individuals reside in separate homes. The defendant was Mirandized where he acknowledged understanding his rights and agreed to speak with officers. Court documents stated that during questioning, Iuta admitted to swearing at the victim and telling her to “shut up.” However, the defendant declined to provide a written statement regarding the incident. Following the interview process, authorities formally booked Iuta, and then transported him to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remained pending his initial appearance before the District Court. The case remains before the court. The defendant is identified as a 42-year old U.S National. The affidavit was filed in the District Court on May 7, 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
2026-05-26 17:12:25