Son allegedly causes disturbance in ‘little house’ on family land

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On January 27, 2025, a distressed father called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported that his son was allegedly causing a disturbance and had tried to throw a rock at him when he scolded him.

The suspect fled the scene but 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; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both imprisonment and fine.

There was no set bail stated in the affidavit for the defendant.

According to the court affidavit, on Jan. 27th, at about 1:45 p.m., a concerned father (later identified as reporter/ victim) contacted the FPS to report his son (later identified as the suspect) who was allegedly causing a disturbance.

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene, they observed a man walking towards the police unit. The man was later identified as the reporter.

During the reporter’s interview, he verbally stated that he has seen a lot of changes with his son Morris Ah-Ching. The father told officers that his son (suspect) has been living at a little house right next to their residence, and that ever since he has lived there he has seen different vehicles entering and exiting their land late at night. He explained that he saw people that he was not used to seeing around the area.

The father said that he was suspicious that his son was using Methamphetamine (ice). He stated that he confronted his son about the loud music and a few people making too much noise.

However, the suspect got angry and started making unreasonable noises and yelled profanities at him. The suspect then chased him away and claimed that he owned the land.

The reporter and the suspect exchanged words, with the father telling the suspect to know his role in the family. As a result, the suspect threw a rock at him but luckily he ducked and the rock missed him. The father stated that he then ran to their house and that’s when he contacted the FPS for assistance.

The father requested that the suspect be removed from their residence because they are not safe with him around.

After interviewing the reporter, the officers approached the little house that the suspect was living in with a few other people. The officers lawfully entered and observed that there was no one present and they had already fled.

The father was advised to contact them again if the suspect returned home.

On Jan. 28, 2025, at about 9:15 a.m., the father contacted the FPS stating that the suspect had returned home. The officers proceeded to the ‘little house’ and they were able to apprehend the suspect.

The suspect was transported to the FPS.

Upon arrival at the station, the suspect was Mirandized, booked, and a full body search was also conducted.

He was transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility for confinement to await the next available sitting of the District Court.