Witness confirms hit-and-run driver’s driving behavior | American Samoa

Alipay – American Samoa

Government records state that government security personnel rushed from the central office in Fagatogo to an incident that occurred on the evening of April 20, 2024, when people flocked to the road near Maraeoletalu because an elderly person was injured in a car accident.

As the officer rode his bike forward, people who witnessed the accident and the fleeing car that hit the elderly man were called to the west side.

Witnesses described the vehicle involved as a white pickup truck with an AC logo on it. Police found the vehicle on the highway in Catalonia.

The record mentioned the intensity of the odor coming from the driver, but the record did not specify the type of odor.

Due to bad weather conditions, police did not conduct the usual enquiries in Catalonia to confirm the driver’s driving, but they were able to do so when they returned to their offices in Fagatogo with the driver.

According to the record, there was a witness who was able to confirm that the defendant was driving the vehicle that night while intoxicated.

The driver also confirmed during police questioning that he had drunk beer at Fagatogo bus stop near Malaeoletalu. When he left the bus stop, his mind was busy with the concert held at the “Pavilion” and he did not see the old man crossing the road.

The driver was detained that same evening on charges including:

Count 1: Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated and Causing Injury – a Class “D” Felony punishable by up to five (5) years in prison, or a $5,000 fine, or both.

Count 2: Driving While Intoxicated – a Class “B” misdemeanor punishable by up to six (6) years in prison, or a $5,000 fine, or both.

Count 3: Fleeing the Scene of an Accident – a Class “A” Misdemeanor punishable by one (1) year in prison or a $1,000 fine; or both.

Count 4: Involvement in an accident resulting in bodily injury – a Class “B” misdemeanor punishable by up to six (6) months imprisonment or a $500 fine; or both.

The defendant will be released on $5,000 bail pending trial.