Cook Islands police mourn Samoan detective killed in line of duty

The Cook Islands Police Service has paid tribute to one of Samoa’s long-serving police officers, Detective Sergeant Peniamina Perrit, who died in the line of duty earlier this week.

The Samoa Police, Prisons and Correctional Services (SPPCS) announced on Monday the sudden death of Detective Sergeant Perritt, who died unexpectedly from a gunshot wound while on duty to arrest a suspect in a murder case, and the entire organisation is in deep sorrow.

Cook Islands Acting Police Commissioner Akataila Matapo expressed his deepest condolences to Detective Sergeant Perritt’s family and the Samoan Police.

Cook Islands Acting Police Commissioner Akataoila Matapo.

“Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Perrit’s family and friends during this tragic time. We also stand in solidarity with our police colleagues in Samoa in expressing our condolences as they too suffer the pain of this tragedy,” Matapo said.

“We value these relationships and uphold a spirit of friendship across the region. In the performance of their police duties, officers take risks and threaten their lives in a variety of situations that can be volatile and unpredictable.

“The loss of a police officer’s life while keeping our community safe is the most tragic consequence, and we salute Officer Perritt’s courage and dedication to police work.

“He was a man of integrity who was highly respected for his professionalism and open, friendly personality.”
Acting Police Commissioner Matapo also highlighted the strong family bonds between the Cook Islands and Samoa as they also share the Polynesian kinship of unity, cooperation and respect.

“The Cook Islands Police Service has a member of staff currently serving in Samoa. Officer Peggy Matapo has joined in paying tribute to Officer Perritt and extending our thoughts to all those affected by this tragedy.”

The 58-year-old farmer, accused of shooting dead two men including Detective Sergeant Perite, was arrested on Tuesday (local time) in Fasitoo on the northwest coast of Upolu.

A team of 20 detectives and tactical unit police launched a search for the suspected gunman.

Police say Detective Sergeant Perritt was investigating a frightening domestic dispute and was trying to arrest the suspect when he was shot with a .22 caliber rifle.