Overview:
Allegations of police brutality involving three teenagers at Meyuns Causeway are under investigation after a parent accused an officer of using excessive force during a traffic stop.
Investigation underway after allegations an 18-year-old was slapped and aggressively detained at Meyuns Causeway
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau (May 28, 2026)— A parent has accused a police officer of abuse of authority and excessive force following a traffic stop involving three teenagers at Meyuns Causeway, prompting an active criminal investigation by authorities.
The allegations surfaced Tuesday in a Facebook post written by the mother of an 18-year-old boy who claimed he and two others — another 18-year-old and a minor — were stopped by police while inside a vehicle.
According to the mother’s account, the officer she identified as Officer Masang allegedly forcefully removed one of the boys from the car despite the teen not resisting arrest. The boy reportedly was slammed onto the hood of a police vehicle, handcuffed, placed inside the patrol car and slapped.
The mother said her son told her the officer later returned to the vehicle and allegedly yelled, “Which one of you f*cks is next!” causing the remaining boys to become frightened.
According to the account provided by her son, another officer was present during the incident. The teen allegedly asked that officer whether it was appropriate for police to slap someone who was not resisting arrest, and the officer reportedly responded that it was not.
Minister Jennifer Olegeriil confirmed to this publication that the Criminal Investigation Division is actively gathering statements and conducting a full investigation into the reported incident.
“The Criminal Investigation is actively obtaining statements … and a full investigation is underway,” Olegeriil said.
She added that statements from the accused officer could not be released because they are part of the ongoing investigative report.
No charges connected to the incident were immediately announced.