PPD incident reported in Kokoland

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — An incident involving the destruction of property was reported to police on December 22, 2025, after a resident of Kokoland contacted authorities to report a family dispute, according to the court affidavit filed in District Court on Dec. 23, 2025.Mr. Vaaulia Tagoai was charged with the following:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV) - a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed fifteen days, a fine of not more than $300 but not less than $150, or both such imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Property Damage in the Second Degree (DV) - a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 1 year, a fine of not more than $1000, but not less than $150, or both such imprisonment and fine.

Police said the call was received at approximately 10:28 a.m., prompting officers to respond to the residence to investigate the disturbance. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the reporting party, who explained that a conversation among family members had escalated into an argument, causing her son to become agitated and lose control of his emotions.

According to the report, the suspect retrieved a knife and began breaking windows throughout the residence. Another individual inside the home told officers that Tagoai was shouting profanities while damaging the property, causing alarm among those present.

Officers secured the scene and took Tagoai into custody without further incident.

He was placed in a police unit while officers conducted an inspection of the residence to document the damage and ensure that no one had been injured.

An examination of the home revealed numerous broken windows and cut screen wires. Officers observed shattered glass near the front entrance of the residence as well as inside the living and kitchen areas. Broken glass was also found on a kitchen table and across the surrounding floor area.

Police reported that a total of 32 windows had been broken and seven [window] screen had been cut during the incident. Photographs of the damage were taken as part of the investigation.

Authorities noted that Tagoai and the reporting party reside in the same household, along with other family members, which contributed to the emotional nature of the incident.

The suspect was transported to the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) for further questioning. He was advised of his constitutional rights and acknowledged that he understood them, but declined to provide a statement, when asked.

He was subsequently booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending the next sitting of District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 19-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]