The Samoa Police, Prisons, and Correction Services are urgently appealing to the public for assistance in locating Toese Tu'uaga, the primary suspect involved in a violent altercation including a firearm at Faleolo International Airport over a week ago.

Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo confirmed in an interview with the Samoa Observer on Saturday that Tu'uaga is considered "dangerous" and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Tu'uaga, 37, is believed to have been involved in a brawl at the airport, where he reportedly threatened people and bystanders with a pistol. 

According to Auapa'au, witnesses have suggested that Tu'uaga was intoxicated at the time of the incident. "Reports indicated that he was under the influence," said the Commissioner.

In addition to the recent airport incident, Tu'uaga is wanted by the police in connection with multiple other criminal activities. 

Auapa'au revealed that the court had issued a warrant for Tu'uaga's arrest after he failed to appear for a separate court case. Tu'uaga, who was deported from New Zealand due to prior sexual offences, was also a person of interest in a 2024 shooting incident in the Vailoa area. 

The police have confirmed that Tu'uaga is linked to at least two other ongoing investigations.

Authorities have labelled Tu'uaga as "armed and dangerous" due to his violent behaviour and criminal history. 

The shooting in Vailoa last year, which arose from a road rage incident, involved Tu'uaga and raised concerns due to its similarities to a more recent shooting incident in Sinamoga, where two individuals were injured by gunfire.

A witness, speaking anonymously out of safety concerns, recalled seeing a black SUV associated with the shooter during the Vailoa road rage altercation. 

The confrontation took place near the junction of Vailoa Road and Vaitele Road, an area near the residence of the Vailoa mayor and a church minister. Although no injuries were reported during the road rage incident, the violent nature of the encounter prompted further alarm, especially in light of the Sinamoga shooting.

In May 2024, Tu'uaga turned himself into the police after evading authorities for two weeks. He was subsequently charged in connection with the earlier shooting, but the recent developments have brought him back into the public spotlight.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and assist in locating Tu'uaga, stressing the importance of bringing him to justice before he can cause further harm. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Samoa Police, Prisons, and Correction Services immediately.