Allegedly intoxicated man causes Christmas public cheer disturbance

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 3, 2025, police responded to a disturbance at DDW Café in Utulei, where officers encountered an allegedly intoxicated man who was allegedly shouting profanities at the restaurant supervisor and causing a public disturbance, according to court documents filed on Dec. 4th at the District Court.

Sefo Lemalu 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 not to exceed $500, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendant was held without bail.

Court records reveal that police officers responded to a disturbance call at the DDW Café in Utulei. Upon arrival, officers proceeded to the Samoan-style house located adjacent to the restaurant.

At the scene, officers observed a man later identified as the suspect, Mr. Sefo, who appeared to be highly intoxicated. The suspect was continuously shouting vulgar and profane language in Samoan at another male, later identified as the victim, who was a supervisor at the restaurant.

The victim made several attempts to calm the suspect; however, the suspect remained uncooperative due to his intoxicated state.

The suspect was subsequently apprehended and interviewed by officers. During the interview, he admitted that he had been roaming around the restaurant since earlier that evening. He further confessed to yelling profanities, notably when the restaurant’s music volume decreased.

Additionally, witnesses at the scene reported that the suspect was being loud, disruptive, and disturbing the peace. Officers noted a strong odor of alcohol emitting from the suspect, along with red, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech when he attempted to explain his actions.

The suspect was apprehended and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility  (TCF) for confinement.

During transport, the suspect continued swearing at the officers while they tried to calm him down.

He was booked and confined at TCF to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 37-year-old U.S National.

[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]