Mother alleges that son assaulted her while causing disturbance in the home

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 25, 2026, a mother in distress contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) regarding her son who was allegedly causing a disturbance in their residence in Faleniu. The suspect was later 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 & 3: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both; and, Count 4: Property Damage in the Third Degree (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine not more than $500, or both. The defendant was held without bail. According to the court affidavit, the incident was reported to the TPS by the defendant’s mother, who reported that her son was causing a disturbance inside their residence, becoming angry after she told him not to eat food she had prepared for herself. She reportedly told him she needed the food because she was sick. The defendant allegedly responded by yelling profanities repeatedly inside the home. The situation reportedly escalated when the defendant went outside, picked up rocks, and threw them at the side door of the residence. Police later observed the door and reported that it had small dents on its surface and had become detached from its frame. The mother also alleged that she attempted to stop her son during the incident, at which point he punched her multiple times with a closed fist. Police stated they did not observe any visible injuries on the woman. Another occupant of the residence, identified in the affidavit as the defendant’s wife, also provided a statement to police. She reportedly said she was in a bedroom when she heard the disturbance and came outside to see what was happening. According to her statement, the defendant continued yelling and walked toward a door before pulling it forcefully, causing the door to become detached from its frame. She further alleged that the defendant brandished a machete and challenged his uncle to fight. She added that after the defendant entered the residence, he attacked his younger brother, striking him several times with his fists. She alleged that both the defendant’s mother and brother were struck during the incident. The police investigation determined that the defendant and the other parties involved reside together in the same home. After receiving the initial report and speaking with witnesses, officers went to locate the defendant. He was observed walking towards the police unit and was subsequently apprehended and transported to the TPS for further investigation. At the station, the defendant was Mirandized and he indicated that he understood his rights but declined to provide a statement to investigators. The defendant, Seanpaul Chin-Tong, was arrested and booked at the TPS before being confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending his appearance in the District Court. The defendant is identified as a 20-year-old U.S national. The affidavit was filed in the District Court on August 26, 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
2026-08-31 17:55:26