A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault on an elderly man at Faleolo, following a road rage incident on Saturday.

A member of the public took a video of a man punching an elderly person. The elderly person was driving a minivan that got into an accident, allegedly colliding with the assaulter's car.

According to a Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS) statement issued on Sunday, “the incident that occurred yesterday at Faleolo involving a motor vehicle and an alleged assault on an elderly man” has “since gained widespread attention on social media.”

Police said that “following a prompt response and a preliminary investigation,” the man was arrested and is currently in custody. They added that “additional charges may be laid pending the outcome of a full and thorough investigation.”

“The SPPCS acknowledges the public concern generated by the incident and thanks members of the community for their vigilance and for bringing attention to the matter. We strongly urge the public to remain calm and refrain from taking matters into their own hands. The Police are committed to ensuring that due process is followed and that justice is served through the proper legal channels.”

Police said further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

The incident has drawn comparisons to a separate case in Vaimoso, where four youths were also charged in connection with the alleged assault of two students.