2 Jan 2015

American Samoa cop might be taken off island

2:19 pm on 2 January 2015

The family of the police officer who was injured in a shooting in American Samoa hope he will be taken off island to remove pellets that are still lodged in his body.

The police officer was in a vehicle with two others when the shooting occurred early Monday morning in the Lepuapuea-Leone area.

The other officers in the vehicle were not hurt.

A family member told local media that four pellets could not be removed during surgery at LBJ Hospital.

He says they are worried because some of the pellets according to doctors are around his head area despite doctors saying the officer be all right.

The Chief Medical Officer of the LBJ Hospital, Dr Iotamo Saleapaga, has confirmed the family has requested an off island referral for the officer.

He said they hope to make a decision soon regarding the request.

LBJ hospital, American Samoa

LBJ hospital, American Samoa Photo: RNZI

Our correspondent says it's believed that a shotgun was used and the wounded officer had received bullet wounds in the head, shoulder and chest area.