Neighbor calls TPS when he allegedly hears disturbance next door

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 1, 2025, a concerned neighbor called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported an alleged disturbance between his neighbor and his girlfriend. The caller alleged that the victim was assaulted by her boyfriend and needed assistance.

The suspect was later apprehended and charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2 & 4: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both; and,

Count 3: Public Peace Disturbance (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $2,000.

According to the court affidavit, on August 1st, at about 7:45 p.m., a man (the reporter) contacted the TPS to report an incident involving his neighbor, Tesimale Milo (the suspect). The reporter alleged that the suspect had been causing a disturbance at their residence in Mapusaga.

Police officers responded to the call and, upon arrival at the scene, they met up with the reporter. The reporter stated that the suspect was allegedly intoxicated and threatened to kill his girlfriend (the victim). After the reporter’s interview, he pointed out the suspect’s house to the authorities.

The officers approached the victim and conducted a field interview.

According to the victim’s verbal statement, she went with the suspect to the store. On their way to the store, the suspect accused her of staring at other men. The suspect called her names in front of people and threatened to cut her in half with a knife.

The victim added that she had also been beaten up at their home on July 31, 2025. She explained that Milo punched her mouth, which resulted in a swollen lip. He had also approached her with a metal dinner knife and struck her with it using the dull side of the knife.

For the current incident, the victim continued that the suspect had already fled the scene and had gone to the ‘pool table’ house in Mapusaga. The victim noted that the domestic violence between her and Milo has been an ongoing issue whenever he is intoxicated.

The officers proceeded to locate the suspect, and they were able to apprehend him. He was informed about the incident, including accusations of causing a disturbance and attempting to harm the victim physically.

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

The defendant is identified as a 26-year-old citizen of Samoa.