Man remained at large after “dangerous and emotionally charged encounter”

By Samoa News staffreporters@samoanews.comPago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — January 20, 2026, a quiet Monday afternoon turned chaotic in Fagatogo after a domestic dispute escalated into violence, prompting a police investigation and foot pursuit through the village hills.The suspect, identified by authorities as Stye Sione, remains at large following what police have described as a “dangerous and emotionally charged encounter.”Mr. Sione was later charged with:Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine;Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not more than $300, or both; and,Count 3: Trespass (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of not exceeding $500, or both.The defendant is to be held without bail.According to the court affidavit, filed in District Court on Jan. 22nd, the incident was by a woman who told police that Sione, her ex-boyfriend, had trespassed onto her property, refused to leave, and threatened to stab her.Responding officers arrived at the scene and found the victim outside her residence with visible injuries to her face and lips. They noted that she was shaken and frightened when they arrived.She explained that she had permitted Sione to stay at her house for two days but asked him to leave earlier that day. When she locked the door behind him, Sione allegedly became enraged, pounding on the door and shouting threats. Moments later, he reportedly struck a glass louvre window, shattering it and sending shards of glass flying into the home. The broken glass hit the victim's face, cutting her beneath her left eye and along her lower lip.Despite the injuries, the woman declined medical treatment, telling officers she would be fine. Police photographed her injuries as evidence and recorded the damage to the residence.Following the initial investigation, officers proceeded to Sione’s nearby residence to apprehend him. On arrival, they spotted the suspect walking behind the property but said he fled the moment he saw the patrol vehicle.According to police, Sione ran behind a traditional Samoan umu cooking area before disappearing into a heavily forested section of the mountain behind the homes. Officers gave chase on foot but eventually lost sight of him due to the steep terrain and fading daylight.Police later confirmed that despite a search of the surrounding hills, the suspect was not located that evening. Authorities have since renewed efforts to find him, urging the public to report any sightings or information to the Fagatogo Police Station.Investigators said Sione is under investigation for trespassing, assault, property damage, and making criminal threats. They added that although the suspect had previously been allowed to stay at the victim’s house, he no longer had permission once asked to leave — making his actions unlawful and aggressive.Residents expressed concern following the altercation, which disrupted the usually peaceful neighborhood. Several neighbors told Samoa News that they heard yelling followed by glass breaking and police sirens within minutes. “It was shocking,” said one local resident. “You never expect something like that to happen right in your own area.”Local community leaders have urged families in the territory to report domestic conflicts early and to seek support from law enforcement, family members, or church leaders before situations escalate. “These kinds of incidents remind us how quickly domestic arguments can turn violent,” said one elder. “It’s always better to ask for help rather than face danger alone.”Authorities have increased patrols throughout the Fagatogo area in the aftermath of the incident. The police department has also issued a warning to the public not to approach Stye Sione, describing him as potentially unpredictable and dangerous.Anyone with information regarding Sione’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Fagatogo Police Station or their nearest local enforcement office immediately.Officials say the case remains open as the search for the suspect continues.[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. ra]Section: Local NewsTags: court report
2026-02-18 18:32:39