A police officer has been shot and killed in Samoa while attempting to carry out an arrest.
Detective Sergeant Peniamina Perite died at the scene in the village of Fasitoo-Uta on Monday.
Perite was in the middle of carrying out an arrest of a murder suspect when he received a fatal gunshot wound.
In a statement, the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS) said Perite’s death has left the local community in “profound sorrow”.
“Detective Sergeant was a dedicated and exemplary officer who served the SPPCS with distinction, honour, and unwavering commitment.”
“His contributions to law enforcement in Samoa have been invaluable, and his absence will be deeply felt by his colleagues, friends, and the wider community,” police said.
Samoan police were now working with the community in Fasitoo-Uta to locate the suspect who was on the run.
They said every effort was being made to bring the person to justice.
A memorial service would be held for Perite in due course, police said.