Man arrested for assaulting another man allegedly over disrespectful response

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 9, 2026, a man, residing in Vaitogi, was charged after allegedly striking another man in the face with a metal utility bar during a dispute. The suspect, Vevesi Pesamino was later arrested and charged with: Count 1: Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed five (5) years, a fine not to exceed $5,000, or both fine and imprisonment; and, Count 2: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine not to more than $500, or both. The defendant was held without bail. According to the affidavit, police were assigned shortly before 1:00 a.m. on June 9th, to investigate a reported assault involving a Vaitogi resident who sustained serious facial injuries requiring hospitalization. Investigators interviewed multiple individuals during the course of the investigation, including the victim, a resident who contacted police, an eyewitness, emergency medical personnel who responded to the scene, and the suspect. Court documents indicated that the parties involved were acquainted with one another prior to the incident. Police learned that the suspect had visited the residence on previous occasions to seek food or assistance and was known to members of the household. The affidavit further noted that the individuals share connections to the same village in Upolu. According to statements provided to investigators, events leading up to the alleged assault began during the evening hours of June 8, when the suspect arrived at the residence and requested breadfruit for his son's birthday celebration. The victim agreed to assist him and accompanied him to collect the requested foodstuff. While the two men were walking, the conversation reportedly shifted to taro leaves. The victim later told police that he believed the suspect was attempting to tell him what to do regarding property matters. The victim responded by telling the suspect that he knew where he could obtain the leaves himself. The victim stated that the discussion continued as the pair walked toward the end of the road. During the walk, the suspect allegedly asked about another individual who frequently visited the residence. The victim replied that he did not know the person's whereabouts. According to the victim's account, the encounter escalated without warning when the suspect suddenly struck him on the left side of the face with what appeared to be a metal annihilator wrecking and utility bar. The victim alleged that the blow was unexpected and delivered with sufficient force to cause immediate injury before the suspect fled the area. Despite the injury, the victim remained conscious and attempted to locate the suspect. An eyewitness later confirmed assisting in the search, but the suspect could not be found. When the victim returned to the residence, he reportedly began experiencing severe pain. Court documents stated that swelling developed on the left side of his face and jaw and that blood was coming from his mouth. The victim attempted to stop the bleeding but was unsuccessful. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were subsequently contacted. The investigating officer reported arriving at the scene while EMS personnel were treating the victim. The officers observed significant swelling around the victim's jaw, which appeared to be dislocated. Blood was also visible inside the victim's mouth, and the victim was using his shirt in an attempt to control the bleeding. Although suffering from substantial pain, the victim was able to explain to officers what had occurred. He was later transported to LBJ Tropical Medical Center for further treatment and hospitalization. A witness interviewed by police provided an account that corroborated portions of the victim's statement. The witness became concerned after hearing the suspect's voice grow louder during a verbal confrontation with the victim. When the witness went outside, he allegedly observed the suspect holding what appeared to be a metal annihilator wrecking and utility bar. The witness reported seeing the suspect swing the object toward the victim and strike him before fleeing the scene. The witness further stated that he joined the victim in searching for the suspect but was unable to locate him. Upon returning to the residence, he observed severe swelling on the left side of the victim's face and jaw. The affidavit also includes statements from a female resident who described events occurring before the alleged assault. Her account alleges that the defendant was causing a disturbance and does not mention his asking for breadfruit. According to her statement, she was inside her room with her husband when the victim informed her that someone outside was creating a disturbance. The victim then went outside to investigate. Several minutes later, she reportedly heard the victim advising the suspect to return home and rest because he appeared intoxicated. The suspect allegedly refused to leave the area. The resident told investigators that she eventually went outside and personally asked the suspect to stop shouting because she had recently been discharged from the hospital and needed rest. According to her statement, the suspect ignored her request and continued yelling outside the residence. Moreover, the suspect repeatedly challenged the victim by stating, "Pe ke fia ulavale," which was interpreted by investigators as asking whether the victim wanted trouble or wanted to fight. The resident also reported observing the suspect walking past the bathroom area of the property before hearing a loud impact on the roof of the house. Additional banging sounds followed. She believed rocks had been thrown at the residence, and she contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) seeking assistance. At approximately 2:15 a.m., officers located the suspect at his residence in Vaitogi and transported him to TPS for questioning. The suspect was Mirandized where he waived his rights before agreeing to answer questions. Investigators noted that the suspect appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. A strong odor of alcohol reportedly emanated from his person. Nevertheless, officers stated that he was able to understand the questions being asked and provide coherent responses. During the interview, the suspect frequently smiled, joked, and appeared playful while speaking with investigators. Furthermore, the suspect admitted going to the victim's residence to request breadfruit and taro leaves for his son's birthday celebration. He told officers that he believed he had approached the victim respectfully but became upset by the victim's response. The suspect also admitted punching the victim during the confrontation. However, he denied striking the victim with a hammer or similar object. The suspect also claimed that he suffered an injury to his left shoulder during the altercation. EMS personnel evaluated and treated him at the police station. Court records indicate that he did not require additional medical treatment or transportation to LBJ Tropical Medical Center. Following the interview, the suspect was booked and transported to the Teafuna Correctional Facility, where he was held pending court proceedings. Investigators later conducted a search of the area where the alleged assault occurred. During the investigation, officers recovered what they believed to be the instrument used in the attack. The item was described as a rusted annihilator wrecking and utility bar measuring approximately 13 inches in length and weighing about four pounds. The object was collected as evidence and transported to the TPS before being transferred for further processing and safekeeping. The matter is now before the court. The defendant is identified as a 38-year-old citizen of Samoa. The affidavit was filed in the District Court on June 11, 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
2026-06-24 16:03:30