Man arrested for alleged assault in parking lot of local bar

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In the early morning hours of December 28, 2025, a disturbance outside Flames Bar that escalated into an unprovoked assault, prompting immediate police response and the arrest of Bruce Vine.

Mr. Vine was charged with a single count of Assault in the Third Degree - 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.

No bail was indicated.

According to the affidavit filed in District Court on Dec. 31st, officers on patrol received a call reporting that a man was punching parked vehicles in the parking lot of a bar. Officers responded to investigate the disturbance.

While en route to the scene, officers could hear loud yelling coming from the nearby bus stop area. As they approached, they observed a large, shirtless male shouting profanities. Moments later, officers witnessed the man strike another man in the face with a closed fist. The victim collapsed to the ground as a result of the blow.

Officers immediately intervened and apprehended the suspect without further incident.

The suspect was secured and placed inside the patrol unit. Additional officers arrived on scene and checked on the victim, who appeared disoriented and in pain from the assault. The victim was transported to the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to await medical assistance from Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The suspect was also transported to the TPS for processing.

During the booking procedure, officers observed that the suspect appeared intoxicated. He was restless, talkative, and unable to remain still while officers attempted to complete the required paperwork.

While the suspect was temporarily secured in the patrol unit, officers interviewed the victim. The victim stated that he had been standing at the bus stop waiting for a taxi when the suspect suddenly approached him yelling and struck him in the face without provocation.

The victim reported that he did not know the suspect and had no prior interaction with him before the assault.

Officers observed visible injuries on the victim’s face, including swelling and bruising in the area between his right eye and nose.

Following the investigation, the suspect was transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was confined pending the next available sitting of District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 32-year-old US 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]