Allegedly drunk man tries to start a fight across from Starkist

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 30, 2025, a security personnel contacted the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported an alleged altercation across from Starkist.

A suspect was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $1,000.

According to the court affidavit, on May 30th, at approximately 4:30 p.m., FPS received a call from a security personnel at StarKist regarding an ongoing altercation in front of the gas station adjacent to the StarKist building.

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene, they observed that one of the men (later identified as the victim) was in a defensive position and using his hands to safeguard his face. The other man (later identified as the suspect) was seen striking the victim aggressively with multiple punches.

The officers along with the other bystanders intervened to de-escalate the situation and successfully apprehended the suspect that was assaulting the victim.

Following the intervention, the officers conducted an interview with the victim to gather additional information regarding the incident.

According to the victim, he and a friend had just finished work and were in the smoking area enjoying a drink before heading home. They observed an individual approaching their location, displaying signs of significant intoxication as he swayed back and forth. The individual then stood in front of them and loudly inquired if anyone was interested in a confrontation. Both parties were taken aback while the individual directed a series of profanities at them reiterating his desire to engage in a fight.

Furthermore, the victim stated that when the individual approached his friend, he stood up and begged the individual to leave them alone and they told him they didn't want any trouble. Following his remarks to the individual, he then proceeded to throw punches until the arrival of the police unit.

After interviewing the victim and his friend, the authorities proceeded to transport the suspect, identified as Faleiva Tatalo (suspect) to the station for processing and confinement.

During transportation to the station, the suspect exhibited disruptive behavior including the use of profanities and provocations directed at the responding officer.

The suspect was later booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.