Police called after man allegedly under the influence became increasingly aggressive
By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 26, 2026, at approximately 9:10 p.m., the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a call from a woman reporting a domestic disturbance at her family residence. The reporter informed authorities that her uncle, identified as Penita Togafau, was intoxicated and causing a peace disturbance inside their home. The suspect was charged with the following: Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV) - a class C misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300 but not less than $150, or both; Count 2: Resisting Arrest - a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year, a fine of not more than $1000, or both such imprisonment and fine; Count 3: Property Damage in the Third Degree (DV) - a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine of not more than $500 but not less than $150, or both such imprisonment and fine; and Count 4: Assault in the Third Degree (DV) - a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year, a fine of not more than $1000, or both such imprisonment and fine. Bail for the defendant was set at $2000. According to the court affidavit, the suspect was yelling profanities and acting aggressively toward family members inside the residence. It was alleged that he chased his sister while making threatening statements, including that “someone in the family would get hurt tonight.” The reporter further stated that she feared for the safety of everyone inside the household, prompting her to contact police. Police officers responded to the call and were met by the reporter outside the residence, who appeared visibly shaken and informed them that family members inside the home were afraid of the suspect. Officers were directed toward the residence, where they could hear loud yelling and profanities coming from inside. As officers approached the home, they observed the suspect inside yelling in a loud and aggressive manner in Samoan, directing profanities and threats toward his family members. Officers made contact with the suspect and attempted to calm the situation; however, the suspect refused to comply and continued his aggressive behavior. Police reported that the suspect then approached officers in a threatening manner with clenched fists. When officers attempted to place him under arrest, the suspect resisted and struck one officer in the chest with a closed fist. The officer did not sustain visible injuries. Officers were able to gain control of the suspect after a brief struggle and placed him under arrest without further incident. The suspect was escorted to the police unit and transported to the TPS for booking and further investigation. While officers remained at the scene, they conducted an assessment of the residence and interviewed individuals present. The investigation revealed that multiple doors inside the home had been damaged. Family members stated that the suspect had punched and kicked several doors, including the door to his mother’s room, causing them to break. Further investigation revealed that during the incident, several family members, including young children, locked themselves inside a room in an attempt to avoid the suspect. Witnesses stated that the suspect attempted to force entry into the room by repeatedly striking the door and demanding that it be opened. Family members inside the room reportedly held the door shut to prevent the suspect from entering while waiting for police to arrive. The reporter provided additional information indicating that this was not the first incident involving the suspect. She stated that on previous occasions, the suspect had threatened family members and damaged property while under the influence of alcohol, but those incidents were not reported to authorities. During follow-up interviews conducted at the TPS, the reporter stated that earlier that same evening, the suspect allegedly assaulted his 22-year-old nephew. According to her statement, the suspect punched the victim in the stomach and later struck him in the eye. The suspect reportedly claimed he was “just playing.” The victim did not initially report the incident due to fear of the suspect. The suspect’s spouse was also interviewed and provided both verbal and written statements. She stated that her husband had been consuming alcohol throughout the day with friends and continued drinking after returning home. According to her statement, the suspect became increasingly aggressive as the evening progressed. She further stated that an argument began after a family member questioned the suspect about his drinking, which led to the suspect directing verbal abuse and profanities toward his sister and other family members. The situation escalated, resulting in threats being made toward individuals inside the household. The spouse also stated that at one point during the incident, the suspect turned towards her and made threatening gestures, causing her to fear for her safety. She expressed concern for her children, stating that they are often afraid when the suspect is intoxicated due to his unpredictable and aggressive behavior. One of the victims was also interviewed. She informed officers that she feared for her safety and stated that this was not the first time the suspect had threatened her and other family members, including their elderly parents. She indicated that the suspect’s behavior has been ongoing and tends to escalate when he consumes alcohol. Police noted that all individuals involved in the incident reside in the same household, including extended family members and elderly parents. The shared living arrangement was identified as a contributing factor to the ongoing nature of the disturbances. Upon arrival at the TPS, officers observed that the suspect exhibited signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. The suspect was processed and placed in custody. The suspect was transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remains confined pending his initial appearance before the District Court. No serious physical injuries were reported as a result of the incident; however, police noted the extent of property damage and the statements provided by witnesses regarding threats, prior incidents, and the overall safety concerns within the household. The suspect is identified as a 38-year-old citizen of Samoa. The affidavit was filed in the District Court on March 3, 2026. [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 News Tags: court report
2026-03-27 18:35:26