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Man tried to blow up American Samoa gas station, police say
POSTED: 11:30 a.m. HST, Oct 05, 2012
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa » Police say a Samoan national tried to blow up a gas station near land that holds American Samoa's petroleum supply during a drunken confrontation over traditional village curfews.
Terrorism isn't suspected in the case. Malaeloa Folasa Jr. pleaded not guilty Thursday to first-degree attempted arson in American Samoa High Court.
Police say surveillance video shows Folasa repeatedly removing nozzles from a fuel pumps, lighting a lighter and holding the open flame inches away.
Authorities say Folasa and several friends were intoxicated and angry that the gas station remained open during curfew, a custom in several American Samoa villages where residents stay indoors a short time during evenings for prayers and family time.
Folasa is being held on $20,000 bail. Authorities say his status as a legal resident expired in July.
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