Relative's alleged actions could have threatened granddaughter

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man from Petesa was arrested last month accused of attempting to assault his uncle’s wife while she was holding her one-year-old granddaughter.

When Alesana Vili made his initial appearance in Court, the court granted a motion to release him on his own recognizance to await his next court appearance.

According to the government’s case, it was on Feb 17, around 9:47 p.m when the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a call regarding a peace disturbance (PPD) in Petesa.

Two cops responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene they found a male sitting in front of his house. The man was later identified as the defendant.

As investigators started to speak to the defendant, a woman walked out of the house and told police that she was the one who reported the incident.

According to the woman, who is the wife of the defendant’s uncle, the confrontation started when Vili stole money and clothes from their home. She said she spoke to him about how disrespectful his actions were, and that's when Vili allegedly threw an empty beer bottle at her, while she was holding her one-year-old granddaughter.

She said luckily, she ducked and it missed her and the baby.

The victim also told police that her nephew cussed at her and yelled profanities, and he was heavily intoxicated.

She claims that Vili tried to punch her but she ran into her bedroom and locked the door. She told police she was afraid and concerned for the safety of her granddaughter because she knows her nephew is on drugs and if they don’t take him, he will come later and beat her or someone at their home because he knows she called the police on him.

The defendant was sober when one of the police officers approached him; but for the safety of the woman and the baby, the decision was made to arrest the defendant and detain him at the TCF to await his appearance in District Court.