21 Dec 2017

Investigation into American Samoa police vehicle shooting

10:54 am on 21 December 2017

Police investigations are continuing into an incident where police were shot at while responding to a call about cherry bombs being thrown into the Tony Solaita Baseball Field.

American Samoa Public Safety Commissioner Le'i Sonny Thompson, with Governor Lolo Malaga in cap

American Samoa Public Safety Commissioner Le'i Sonny Thompson, with Governor Lolo Malaga in cap Photo: RNZI/Monica Miller

Commissioner of Public Safety Le'i Sonny Thompson said no arrests had been made, but police have gathered useful information during their investigations.

Le'i appealed for help from the public in helping find those responsible for this "cowardly act" last Thursday, which could have turned fatal.

The commissioner said that there has been a good response from the public, however, he is not able to disclose any more information at this stage.

Le'i said two police officers had responded to a call from the ASTCA security after midnight last Thursday.

While one of the officers got out to look around the baseball field, he noticed a flash from what appeared to be the muzzle of a weapon.

Le'i said one bullet shattered the window of the police vehicle and the other went through the right side front door.