Careless driving charge lodged after pedestrian transported to LBJ

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On October 10, 2025, at approximately 9:31 a.m., the Fagatogo Police Station received a call requesting assistance regarding a traffic accident involving a pedestrian, who was injured.

Luciano Fuataga was charged with a count of Careless Driving With Injuries — a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 6 months, a fine of not more than $500, or both such imprisonment and fine.

According to the court affidavit, filed in District Court on Dec. 23, 2025, upon arrival at the scene, officers observed emergency medical personnel already assisting a man in his late 50s.

The injured pedestrian was transported to LBJ Hospital for medical evaluation due to an injury to his shoulder.

While canvassing the area for witnesses, officers were approached by the individual who had reported the incident and identified himself as a witness.

He stated that he had been refueling a vehicle at the gas station when he observed a vehicle swerving while traveling eastbound.

According to the witness, the vehicle left the roadway and entered the sidewalk area where a pedestrian was walking. The pedestrian attempted to move out of the way and avoided being struck directly by the vehicle; however, he was hit on the right shoulder by the vehicle’s side mirror. The impact caused the pedestrian to fall from the sidewalk, which was approximately two to three feet higher than the gas station pavement.

The witness then directed officers to the vehicle, which had come to a stop after striking a cable attached to a utility pole. Officers made contact with the driver, who identified himself as Mr. Luciano Fuataga.

Police requested and obtained his driver’s license and official identification from the defendant. During the interview, he admitted that he had been listening to music while driving and had closed his eyes. He stated that he believed the vehicle was moving slowly when he fell asleep. Upon waking, he realized he had lost control of the vehicle and saw a pedestrian on the sidewalk ahead of him.

He told officers that he turned the steering wheel in an attempt to avoid striking the pedestrian directly, resulting in only the side mirror making contact.

Police secured the scene and advised the defendant, who was accompanied by his parents, not to operate any vehicle for safety reasons, including the vehicle involved in the accident. He declined medical assistance at the scene.

Officers also advised the defendant’s father to transport his son to the hospital for medical evaluation as a precaution. He acknowledged and agreed to do so.

The injured pedestrian was instructed to provide medical documentation of his injuries.

The following day he submitted medical records to police. Officers also documented visible bruising by photographing the injuries. The matter remains under investigation.

The defendant is identified as a 22-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]