Man calls for police assistance as crowd gathers near alleged altercation

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 16, 2025, Fagatogo Police Station received a call regarding a physical altercation that led to someone falling into the ocean.

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, and a fine of not more than $500, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Resisting Arrest, 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 June 16th, FPS received a call from a man (later identified as the reporter) requesting immediate police assistance. The reporter stated that two intoxicated men were involved in a physical altercation which led to one of them falling inside the ocean.

Police officers arriving on the scene observed a crowd of bystanders near the ocean. A man was also seen with blood dripping from his forehead. EMS personnel also arrived shortly after.

The man (later identified as the victim) stated that he had been assaulted by another man known as “Taka” aka Patrick Ale. EMS personnel promptly treated the victim and transported him for further medical attention.

The officers then approached another group of bystanders nearby and saw a man (later identified as suspect/ Patrick Ale) lying on his stomach. The suspect was yelling out loud and causing a disturbance. His family members were observed physically restraining him due to his aggressive and uncontrollable behavior.

The officers attempted to apprehend the suspect but he actively resisted arrest while continuing to yell. The suspect then suddenly stood up and ran across the road while traffic was ongoing which caused a disturbance and posed a safety hazard to drivers.

However, with the assistance of the suspect’s family members, they managed to subdue and detain the suspect despite his continued resistance. The suspect was transported to the police station for further investigation.

During transport, the suspect began spitting inside the police unit, yelling and repeatedly banging his head against the window.

Upon arrival at the TPS, Ale was booked and later transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

Following the incident, authorities conducted a follow up interview with the bystanders who claimed they had no knowledge of the physical altercation or what transpired because it occurred before they got to the scene.

Officers further proceeded to the LBJ hospital to follow up on the victim. Upon inquiry with the nurse staff, the officers were informed that the man had fled the ER before receiving treatment. The victim was later identified by the nurses.

On June 18th, the officers went to the victim’s residence but he was not at home.

It’s unknown at this time if police were eventually able to contact the victim.