Trespasser locks himself in bedroom and refuses to leave

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man identified as Petelo Mikaele Korea was arrested an early Sunday morning following a disturbance at a private residence in the Malaeimi area, according to information contained in a police affidavit filed with the District Court, on December 31, 2025.

Police reported that at approximately 12:31 a.m. on Dec. 28th, officers from the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) were dispatched after receiving a call regarding a disturbance of the peace.

Mr. Korea was charged with the following:

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

Count 2: a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both such imprisonment and fine.

No bail was indicated.

Upon arrival at the scene, responding officers were waved down by the homeowner and directed to the area where the incident had occurred. Police observed several individuals standing outside the residence. Officers separated the parties involved and began gathering information from those present to determine what had transpired.

According to the affidavit, the suspect had entered the residence without permission earlier in the evening. Witnesses told officers that the suspect arrived at the home separately from his spouse and walked directly into a bedroom inside the residence. Once inside, he reportedly locked the door from the inside, causing concern among those gathered in the home.

The homeowner later approached the bedroom to check on the suspect’s condition.

The affidavit states that the homeowner knocked on the bedroom door in an attempt to communicate with the suspect and to ask him to leave the residence.

However, when the door was opened, Korea allegedly began cursing at the homeowner, using insulting language, and challenged him to engage in a physical fight.

The confrontation apparently escalated after the suspect allegedly provoked the homeowner by repeatedly daring him to attack.

According to statements provided by witnesses, the homeowner became upset and struck the suspect in the face with a fist.

Officers were informed that several individuals inside the residence attempted to de-escalate the situation before it turned physical. However, the suspect allegedly continued to act in a hostile and aggressive manner, prompting the homeowner to respond.

Witnesses told police that the suspect did not have permission to be inside the home and that his actions created fear and tension among those present.

Police noted that Korea appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time and was uncooperative when officers attempted to speak with him.

The suspect was placed into police custody and transported to the TPS for further investigation. Upon arrival at the station, he requested emergency medical attention, which was provided. A medical unit was placed on standby at the station to assess his condition.

Police advised the suspect of his constitutional rights and he declined to provide a statement regarding the incident.

The suspect was transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was held to await his initial appearance before District Court.

The affidavit further states that officers determined the suspect had no lawful reason to be at the residence and had entered the home without permission. Police also noted that the suspect’s behavior appeared consistent with alcohol impairment.

The defendant is identified as a 30-year-old citizen of Samoa.

[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]