Victim in alleged domestic abuse incident declines medical assistance
By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 2, 2026, a distressed victim of a domestic dispute contacted the local authorities and reported that Togi Fereti allegedly broke into her house and assaulted her inside her residence in Pago Pago. The defendant was later arrested and 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 to exceed $300, or both; Count 3: Stalking (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine not to exceed $500, or both; Count 4: Burglary in the First Degree (DV), a class B felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than fifteen years; and Count 5: Trespass, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine not to exceed $500, or both. The defendant was held without bail. According to the court affidavit, the call for assistance was made by the female victim who reported the incident and responding officers arrived on scene at approximately 9:19 p.m. Upon arrival, officers observed a female (later identified as the victim) standing outside the residence in an extremely distressed condition. She was crying, shaking, and appeared emotionally and physically exhausted. Officers immediately approached her to assess the situation and determine whether medical assistance was needed. The victim declined medical attention but agreed to provide a statement regarding the incident. She reported that she noticed the defendant approaching her residence unexpectedly, and fearing for her safety due to prior incidents, she attempted to quickly enter her home to avoid contact. However, before she could close and secure the door, the defendant allegedly forced his way inside. The affidavit further stated that once inside the residence, Mr. Fereti struck the victim on the back of her head, causing visible redness and pain. The sudden assault led to a physical struggle inside the home, as the victim attempted to defend herself. Despite her efforts, she was unable to restrain the defendant and began yelling loudly for help. Her cries alerted nearby neighbors, who contacted emergency services. The defendant fled the scene shortly after the victim called out for assistance, leaving the area before officers arrived. Police noted that this was not an isolated incident. Police records indicated that this marked the third reported encounter involving the defendant and the same victim. The victim had reportedly warned the defendant on multiple occasions to stay away from her residence, but he allegedly continued to return uninvited and engage in threatening and abusive behavior. A previous incident last year had already resulted in a separate arrest warrant being issued for the defendant. After speaking with officers at the scene, the victim later provided a written statement detailing the events that had occurred that evening. Following the initial investigation, officers launched a search for Fereti based on information provided by the victim. She indicated that the defendant had fled eastbound toward the mountainous area behind her residence. Officers canvassed the neighborhood and surrounding hillside, where several witnesses reported seeing a man matching the defendant’s description moving through the area and attempting to return toward the residence. The defendant was eventually located on the mountainside behind the victim’s home. When officers attempted to make contact, Fereti allegedly became immediately combative. He reportedly attempted to strike officers and evade arrest by fleeing the scene. A brief foot pursuit ensued, during which officers gave chase and were able to catch up to the defendant. The defendant continued to resist, swinging his arms and attempting to break free from officers’ control. Officers were eventually able to bring him to the ground and place him in handcuffs. Police reported that even while being restrained, the defendant continued to behave aggressively. He allegedly kicked his legs and struggled in an attempt to escape custody. Officers maintained control of the situation and ensured that the defendant was safely secured. Due to the defendant’s continued resistance and aggressive behavior, additional precautions were taken during transport. He was placed into a police unit and transported to the Fagatogo Police Station at approximately 9:35 p.m. During transport, the defendant reportedly continued yelling and causing a disturbance. Upon arrival at the station, his behavior allegedly escalated further. According to the affidavit, Fereti continued to act aggressively toward officers and made verbal threats while being processed and booked. Despite his behavior, officers were able to complete the booking process without further incident. He was later transported and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility, to await court proceedings. According to the affidavit, the charges stem from the alleged unlawful entry, physical assault, and subsequent resistance during arrest. The matter has been referred for prosecution, and the case remains under investigation as it proceeds through the court system. The defendant is identified as a 35-year-old U.S National. The affidavit was filed in the District Court on March 4, 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.] Section: Local News Tags: court report
2026-04-02 18:52:48