Tue, 2022-08-09

Domestic abuse is a serious issue. The Bermuda Police Service is committed to improving our response to and how we treat the issue within in our community. Along with several of our community partners, including; The Center Against Abuse and the Department of Child and Family Services, are seekin

input and active participation from you. This is your opportunity to help shape where we focus our efforts and how we deliver our services to better meet your needs.

We are starting with an anonymous survey in order to better understand the problem. The data gleaned from the survey, will guide us in how we address the subject of domestic violence and more importantly how we look after victims and help reform those responsible for committing these acts. The importance of your views cannot be understated.

The survey will go live today and run through to Wednesday 31st August 2022.  It will take the form of a number of multiple-choice questions gauging the performance of first responders such as the Bermuda Police Service, as well as our partner agencies who provide the necessary aftercare and rehabilitation where needed.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Wed, 2022-07-27

Around 12:44pm on Wednesday 27th July, 2022, police attended a report of threatening behaviour outside of a popular Front Street Restaurant.

The suspect was approached by attending officers. Whilst talking to police, the suspect became aggressive and set his Pitbull Terrier on one of the officers. The dog grabbed a hold of the officer’s arm and did not let go. The officer eventually got free of the dog and restrained it, to avoid having the dog attack anyone else. Whilst being restrained, the animal, subsequently died.

The officer has been transported to KEMH via ambulance, where he is receiving treatment for his injuries.

The suspect has been arrested and detained.

Police are asking anyone who may have been in the area and witnessed the incident to call 211.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Tue, 2022-07-26

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police James Howard - "Well, it is Cup Match time in Bermuda. It is a time to reflect, remember and celebrate Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day, and who we are as a community. The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) wishes to take this opportunity to advise the public on a number of matters, to ensure a safe time for all during this year’s Cup Match holiday weekend.

The purpose of this press release is more about safety and less about how we intend to police this weekend holiday.

High Visibility Patrols

As there are a number of events taking place over this four day holiday weekend, there will be a robust police presence throughout the island. We will be partnering with the Bermuda Reserve Police (BRP) and the Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR).

There are two intents for this. The first is to discourage those members of our community that might seek to disrupt our holiday with acts of anti-social behaviour or criminality.

The second is to continue applying the objectives of our Road Safety Strategy which include reducing road traffic collisions in all areas from damage only to injury to fatalities; combating anti-social road use and reducing incidents of impaired driving.

In order to apply these objectives the BPS will engage those persons within the motoring public at all levels from merely having a presence to issuing of motorist advice notices (warnings) to enforcement by tickets and/or arrest based on relevant legislation. The intent is to influence driver behaviour, making the roads safer for all of us as we travel to the many events planned.

We will ensure a proportionate policing response to the multiple major events taking place over the four days.

Cup Match

As you are all aware the Annual Cup Match between Somerset and St. George's Cricket Clubs commence this Thursday at 10am. We are expecting a few thousand people over the two days. Police presence will be high at this event. We will be working in partnership with the Somerset Cricket Club, the BRP and a private security company who will be providing CCTV coverage throughout the grounds.

Marine

In partnership with the Bermuda Reserve Police and the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard, there will be a visible presence on the water. I would like to remind the boating public to ensure that their vessels are registered; that a current decal is prominently displayed on the starboard side of the vessel; that they ensure that all required safety equipment is on board; that they are carrying enough fuel for the intended journey. It is also recommended that they file a float plan if they intend to go offshore.

The expectation is to have fun, enjoy the holiday but be responsible. It is our collective responsibility to make Bermuda safer.

On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, I wish the entire community a pleasant, enjoyable and safe Cup Match Weekend and I look forward to seeing many of you at some of the events taking place."

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Tue, 2022-07-26

This past weekend, several arrests were made for offences ranging from breach of the peace, to murder and attempted murder.

A 36-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, as part of the ongoing investigations into the shooting incident which occurred inside Robin Hood Pub and Restaurant on Tuesday, October 26th, 2021 which resulted in the deaths of Ayinde Eve and Micah Davis.

The suspect was arrested on Friday, July 22nd, 2022 following the execution of a warrant at a residence in St George’s. No further details can be provided at this time.

Around 10:15 p.m. also on Friday, officers attended a report of a disturbance at the National Sports Centre. On arrival, it was ascertained that a number of young males were involved in a physical dispute prior to police arrival.

Officers were able to identify two of the males involved. They were subsequently engaged and searched. During the search, a 17-year-old was found in possession of a knife and a 16-year-old was found in possession of a number of clear plastic twists containing plant like material. Both males were arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station, where they were processed and subsequently granted police bail.

Police were called out to Grotto Bay Hotel around 10:42 p.m. on Saturday July 23rd, 2022, following reports that a guest had jewellery worth over 15,000 dollars stolen from their room. Acting on information provided, officers executed a warrant at a residence where the items reported stolen were recovered and a suspect arrested.

Shortly after 12:00 a.m. on Sunday July 24th, 2022, officers attended Front Street to a report that a 35-year-old male had been assaulted whilst out on a party cruise. Officers were informed that the 34-year-old male suspect assaulted the victim, causing injury to his face.

Officers also received information that the suspect was in possession of a knife during the dispute, but the knife was taken from him by other party goers. The knife was subsequently handed over to police. Based on descriptions given, officers located the suspect riding east along East Broadway and stopped him. He was arrested for assault and driving whilst impaired.

In total, police responded to 152 calls for service over the weekend.

There were 42 arrests made:

•              22 for outstanding warrants.

•              7 for driving whilst impaired.

•              4 for assault.

•              3 for bladed weapons.

•              3 under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

•              1 for breach of the peace.

•              1 for murder/attempted murder.

•              1 for burglary.

There were 55 tickets issued for traffic offences:

•              Speeding – 13

•              No drivers’ licence – 11

•              No vehicle licence – 8

•              No insurance – 6

•              Parking offences – 6

•              Disobeying traffic signs – 6

•              Helmet not fastened – 2

•              Cell-phone offences – 1

•              Driving whilst disqualified – 1

•              Motorists Advisory Notice (Warning) – 1

Acting Superintendent, Robert Cardwell - Tactical Division, said: “I am particularly concerned about the number of arrests made for impaired driving over this past weekend. Impaired driving puts the life of not only the person engaging in this dangerous practice at risk, but also the lives of others. We wish to remind the public that Operation Vega remains in effect and while we will be targeting all road traffic offences, impaired driving is part of our main focus, which also includes speeding.”

Mr. Cardwell added: “With the Cup Match holiday weekend almost here, we are understanding that people will want to have a drink or two, in keeping with the festivities. However, we urge you not to get behind the wheel of any vehicle or ride a motorcycle, no matter how capable you think you might be, if you have been consuming alcohol or using drugs, prescribed or otherwise. The life you save could be your own.

While we celebrate Cup Match, Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day over this long weekend, please, let’s all work together to keep it free of any untoward incidents.”

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Thu, 2022-07-21

The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 40-year-old Jahmel Blakeney, Bermuda’s seventh road fatality for 2022, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.

The fatal collision involved a taxi and two motorcyclists, one of whom was Mr. Blakeney, and occurred shortly after 11pm Wednesday, 20th July 2022, at the junction of Middle Road and Lines Estate Road, Devonshire.

Despite receiving treatment from EMTs at the scene and being rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, Mr. Blakeney later succumbed to the serious injuries he sustained.

The second motorcyclist, understood to be a 27-year-old Pembroke man, apparently sustained a non-life threatening arm injury. At last check he was receiving hospital treatment.

The taxi driver involved, said to be a 75-year-old Devonshire man, was not hurt. He was transporting a visiting American couple at the time. The visiting American woman apparently received a cut to her arm, while the visiting American man was apparently unhurt.

A Family Liaison Officer continues to provide support to Mr. Blakeney’s loved ones and the Roads Policing Unit is investigating the circumstances of this latest deadly crash.

Any witnesses that have not already come forward, or members of the public with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Blakeney in the hours prior to his death, are encouraged to call 247-1788 or 211 as soon as possible.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Thu, 2022-07-21

Shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 20th July, 2022, police received a number of calls reporting a serious road traffic collision, involving a taxi and two motorcycles, at the junction of Middle Road and Lines Estate Road, Devonshire.

Reports are the bikes were headed east on Middle Road, when they both collided with a taxi which was traveling in the opposite direction.

The riders of both bikes, two males, were thrown from their vehicles as a result of the collision. Both bikes were written off and the taxi was left with extensive front end damage.

One of the injured motorcyclists is said to have left the scene on foot. The other, a forty year old, sustained what were described as serious head injuries and was found unresponsive when officers arrived at the scene.

He was attended to by EMTs and was taken to hospital by ambulance. However, he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

There were reportedly a number of other bikes present when the collision occurred but they left before the arrival of the police.

Police are asking anyone who may have been present when the collision occurred or, who may have any information about this incident, to please get in contact with them by calling 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.

The area of the collision remained closed for an extended period while the scene was processed by Traffic Collision Investigators, along with officers from the Forensics Unit.

This marks the seventh road fatality for 2022.

A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the relatives of the deceased.

The Bermuda Police Service extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Tue, 2022-07-19

Today, 19th July 2022, marks five years since the murder of Jahcari Antoni Francis. At the time of his death, Jahcari was 20 years old.

Members of the public will recall that it was about 10:40pm on a Wednesday night, 19th July 2017, that Jahcari was shot whilst he was inside of a residence on Upland Street, Devonshire. Inside that residence with Jahcari were three other persons, who were fortunate to not have been injured.

Shortly after this shooting, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) made an appeal for witnesses that lived in the area who might have heard the gunshots and or saw the shooter, who was on a motorcycle, to come forward.

Today, as in previous years, we are renewing our appeal on the date of Jahcari’s murder and now, the investigative team is looking to speak with two persons. One of them drove by seconds before the shooting and saw a motorcycle parked at the driveway to the residence where this homicide occurred. The second person was standing at the gate of Upland Street and Middle Road, Devonshire. This is critical to our lines of enquiry.

The investigation remains active and progress has been made. The BPS thanks the public for all assistance received so far and today’s appeal is for more assistance to help confirm key information, so that we can bring closure to the family of Jahcari and ensure those responsible for his murder are brought to justice.

To provide any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you, please make contact with the Senior Investigating Officer, Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith, on 717-0864 or jsmith2@bps.bm. Alternatively, you can call the independent and anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Fri, 2022-07-15

All roads lead to St. David's Cricket Club tomorrow, Saturday 16th July, for the first game of the Eastern Counties Series.

With this in mind, the Bermuda Police Service would like to remind the public that when coming east to enjoy the game they can expect to see a heightened police presence in the eastern area.

Chief Inspector Scott Devine of the Community Policing Division said: “This may mean vehicle stop checks across the eastern area, so members of the public are encouraged to give themselves plenty of time to head to their destination as there may be some minor delays in order to facilitate these stop checks.

For spectators’ information, no parking restrictions have been put in place on Cashew Road. No parking signs and cones will be placed in the restricted areas. If unable to park on the field, attendees are asked to park their vehicles in a responsible manner and not block the surrounding roadways for local residents and emergency vehicles requiring access.”

Mr. Devine added: “Security staff and police officers will be on duty to ensure the security of the grounds and patrons are asked to be cooperative when dealing with these staff.

That said, we look forward to you coming down to “Lords” and enjoying a family day out at the game.”

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Wed, 2022-07-13

At 1:18am on Wednesday, 13th July, 2022, police received a number of calls reporting a serious, single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle, at the junction of Cox’s Hill and St. John’s Road roundabout, Pembroke.

It appears the motorcyclist, an eighteen-year-old male, was headed east along Cox’s Hill, when he lost control of the vehicle and slid out.

He was found in an unresponsive state with leg and facial injuries.

He was attended to at the scene by EMTs and was subsequently taken by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment to his injuries, which were not considered life threatening.

Traffic was diverted from the area while the scene was processed by Traffic Collision Investigators as well as a Forensics Officer.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More

Tue, 2022-07-12

As the investigation continues into the confirmed firearms incident which took place in the Ord Road, Cobb’s Hill area of Warwick early on Monday morning, police are asking anyone who may have been traveling along Ord Road junction Cobb’s Hill between 12:00 a.m. and 1:00a.m on Monday, July 11th 2022, to please get in contact with them.

Detectives are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen two persons dressed in all black acting in a suspicious manner, headed east on a motorcycle, turn around at the junction with Ord Road and Cobbs Hill and proceed in a westerly direction, shortly before residents of Ord Road and Cobb’s Hill reported hearing gunshots around 12:18 a.m. on the said date.

Anyone with information regarding the two subjects or the confirmed firearms incident, is asked to call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.

Alternatively, you may wish to provide the information by speaking with a police officer whom you know.

• More Press Releases Here

Read More