Store clerk calls for help to remove allegedly intoxicated customer

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 2, 2025, a store cashier called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) asking for assistance regarding a man who was allegedly causing a disturbance at their store.

The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Trespass, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Public Peace Disturbance, 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 $500.

According to the court affidavit, on May 2nd, at about 5:13 p.m, the FPS received a call from a cashier (reporter) at Pago Mart. The reporter stated that a highly intoxicated man, later identified as Paulo Oloa (suspect) was wearing a blue shirt and jeans, has a noticeable eye impairment, and was causing a disturbance in the store.

The reporter explained that due to the suspect’s level of intoxication, he was bumping into other customers who were in line. The suspect also attempted to bypass the queue and when she intervened and instructed him to join the back of the line, the suspect responded by yelling profanities in Samoan and was aggressive.

The reporter said that despite her warning to call the authorities and telling him to leave the store, the suspect stayed and continued to yell profanities at her.

Following the call, the dispatcher could hear profanity being shouted in the background before the call disconnected. Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival on the scene, they spoke with the reporter who informed the officers that the suspect had fled the premises after she contacted the police. She stated that the suspect was last seen heading in the direction of where the “Mormon” Church was located.

The reporter also showed the authorities the store video surveillance footage.

The officers proceeded to locate the suspect and observed him walking in front of a building while still yelling out profanities. Based on the description provided by the reporter, the officers were able to identify the suspect. Upon locating the suspect, he was transported back to the store where the reporter confirmed the identity of the suspect.

The suspect was placed under arrest and was too intoxicated to provide a statement.

He was processed and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 57-year-old U.S National.