Investigation Underway Regarding the First Murder of 2023
Mon, 2023-02-13
Around 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13th, 2023, a member of the public contacted police to report an unresponsive male lying on the ground in a secluded overgrown area off Border Lane South and Friswells Road, Pembroke.
Police and other emergency personnel responded and were taken to the area where upon arrival, they observed the male appeared to have sustained a gunshot wound.
An on call physician attended the scene and confirmed the male was deceased a short time later.
This matter is now being investigated as a murder.
The first for 2023.
There are reports circulating that police received several calls about gunshots heard shortly after 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, February 12th, 2023, in a number of unspecified locations in Pembroke Parish.
Contrary to these reports, several units responded to the information received, vague though it may have been, and conducted extensive searches of the Happy Valley, Parsons Road and Fentons Drive areas, as well as Friswell’s Hill and other locations in North Hamilton. However, there was no evidence found to substantiate these reports.
Both matters are now under investigation and anyone with information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, is asked to contact Detective Inspector, Jason Smith, of the Serious Crime Unit, on 717-0864, 247-1218 or via email, jsmith2@bps.bm.
You may also call the main police number, 295-0011, or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.
If you are more comfortable doing so, we urge you to please provide the information to a police officer you know.
Read MoreSudden Death of 65-Year-Old William Sousa
Thu, 2023-02-09
The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), can confirm the identity of the male found unresponsive inside a motorcar on the Mid-Ocean Golf Course as 65-year-old William Sousa.
At approximately 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, the BPS received a report of a male in an unresponsive state inside a motorcar on the Mid-Ocean Golf Course.
Officers and EMS personnel attended the location.
EMS personnel rendered first aid but the male remained unresponsive.
An on call doctor attended and certified death shortly after.
Foul play has been ruled out.
An autopsy confirmed Mr. Sousa’s death was associated with a pre-existing medical condition.
The Bermuda Police Service extends condolences to Mr. Sousa’s family and loved ones.
Suspected Stolen Items Recovered
Wed, 2023-02-08
A recent police exercise has resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected stolen items that were being prepared for shipment overseas.
These items include;
• Building Supplies
• Power Tools - industrial and household
• Gardening Equipment
• Appliances
• Household Items
• Electrical and Plumbing Supplies
• Cleaning supplies
Members of the public, especially business owners and building contractors who may have recently had items stolen form work sites, vehicles, residential or commercial properties, are asked to contact Detective Constable Timothy Harvey at tharvey@bps.bm or, Detective Constable Crai-Che’ Hall at chall@bps.bm or telephone at 247-1744.
You will be required to provide a description of the stolen item(s) in order that a comparison may be made with the seized items and if they are similar, the police can invite the possible owner to view the item to identify same.
When contacting the officers, please ensure that you are able to provide serial numbers, invoices or unique markings, as proof of ownership of items you wish to enquire about.
Rightful Owners Invited to Claim Impounded Vehicles
Tue, 2023-02-07
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) currently has 35 vehicles in its Prospect, Devonshire impound. 14 (or 40%) of the impounded vehicles are listed as recovered stolen motorcycles.
Our priority is to return these vehicles to their rightful owners.
Members of the public are encouraged to review the list of registration numbers in the Official Gazette notice on the Government of Bermuda’s website, to identify any vehicle that may belong to them.
The notice can be found at: https://www.gov.bm/theofficialgazette/notices/gn01622023.
Registered owners may reclaim their vehicles by contacting the BPS Impound Office, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, at telephone number 247-1751.
Any vehicle not claimed within 21 days will be disposed of, in accordance with the Police Property Act, 1921.
BPS Update Regarding Island-Wide Power Outage
Sat, 2023-02-04
Around 3:20 pm on Friday, 3rd February, 2022, the Bermuda Electric Light Company, (BELCO), experienced a mechanical fault in its operations which led to an islandwide power outage.
The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), immediately moved to mitigate against any disruption to the flow of traffic by posting officers at all major intersections where traffic lights were off due to the power outage, to assist with traffic control.
The BPS also acted expeditiously to bring on additional officers to assist with increased high visibility patrols to not only to deter anti-social behaviour and reduce the risk of criminal activity as a result of the outage, particularly during the hours of darkness and to provide reassurance to the wider community as well as business owners and operators.
The additional resources also assisted in reducing negative driving behaviour and preventing against serious traffic collisions.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Na’imah Astwood, stated: “I wish to thank the community for working with your Bermuda Police Service during the events of yesterday.
There were no calls for service in relation to any major incidents requiring police attention during or, as a result of yesterday’s power outage.
Some members of the public, like the young man employed at the Esso City Tigermart and others, assisted with traffic control until the arrival of an officer.”
There were a few minor damage only, traffic collisions reported.
ADCOP Astwood added: “I take this time to say a heartfelt thank you to our officers, who on such short notice transitioned seamlessly from their regular taskings, working in cohesion to meet the demands resulting from yesterday’s events.
Your efforts ensured there were no disruptions to the saftey and security of our country. I am very proud.”
The BPS has spent the last few hours ensuring there were no untoward occurrences while the community and businesses resume normal activity and we continue our work making Bermuda safer.
First Road Fatality of 2023: 40-Year-Old Miguel Butterfield
Fri, 2023-02-03
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 40-year-old Miguel Butterfield, Bermuda’s first road fatality of 2023, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Butterfield was seriously hurt in a reported multiple vehicle collision involving the motorcycle he was riding, three other motorcycles and a car on South Road, Southampton, near the junction with Lighthouse Road, around 11:45pm Sunday, 29th January 2023.
Sadly, despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, which continued as he was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, Mr. Butterfield was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing relevant support to his loved ones and the Roads Policing Unit continues to investigate the circumstances of this year’s first road fatality.
Any witnesses that have not already come forward, or members of the public with relevant information, are now encouraged to contact Sergeant Anton Gilbert on 717-2338, or via e-mail agilbert@bps.bm.
They can also share any information they may have with a police officer they’re familiar with.
Second Road Fatality of 2023: 38-Year-Old Jason Simmons
Thu, 2023-02-02
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 38-year-old Jason Simmons, Bermuda’s second road fatality of 2023, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Simmons was seriously hurt in a reported single vehicle motorcycle crash on Somerset Road, near Mangrove Bay Road, Sandys parish – in the vicinity of the former Somerset Country Squire Restaurant & Pub – around 11:55pm Tuesday, January 31st 2023.
He was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, but sadly, later pronounced dead at the hospital.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer continues to provide relevant support to his loved ones.
Investigators are renewing their appeal for any witnesses to this fatal crash to come forward.
Anyone with related information that can assist is encouraged to call the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788, or the non-emergency reporting number 211, at the earliest opportunity.
Alternatively, please share any information that you may have with a police officer you’re familiar with.
Second Road Fatality of 2023 [Updated]
Wed, 2023-02-01
Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can confirm that the 38-year-old man seriously hurt in a reported single vehicle motorcycle crash in Sandys parish Tuesday night was pronounced dead in the early morning hours of Wednesday, 1st February 2023.
The death of the 38-year-old man, who is understood to have been a Sandys parish resident, marks Bermuda’s second road fatality of 2023.
It is believed that the fatal crash occurred around 11:55pm Tuesday, 31st January 2023 on Somerset Road, near the junction with Mangrove Bay Road, when the 38-year-old motorcyclist struck a sidewalk near the former Somerset Country Squire Restaurant & Pub.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to provide relevant support to the deceased’s loved ones at this difficult time.
Traffic in the area was diverted for approximately two and a half hours, while the scene was processed.
The investigation into this latest road fatality continues and any witnesses are now encouraged to call the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 as soon as possible.
Update: Thursday, 2nd February - The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 38-year-old Jason Simmons, Bermuda’s second road fatality of 2023, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Simmons was seriously hurt in a reported single vehicle motorcycle crash on Somerset Road, near Mangrove Bay Road, Sandys parish – in the vicinity of the former Somerset Country Squire Restaurant & Pub – around 11:55pm Tuesday, January 31st 2023.
He was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, but sadly, later pronounced dead at the hospital.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer continues to provide relevant support to his loved ones.
Investigators are renewing their appeal for any witnesses to this fatal crash to come forward.
Anyone with related information that can assist is encouraged to call the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788, or the non-emergency reporting number 211, at the earliest opportunity.
Alternatively, please share any information that you may have with a police officer you’re familiar with.
Reported Serious Motorcycle Crash in Sandys Parish [Updated]
Tue, 2023-01-31
Around 11:55pm Tuesday, 31st January 2023 a reported serious motorcycle crash occurred on Somerset Road in Sandys parish, near the junction with Mangrove Bay Road.
Details are limited at this time. However, early information suggests that the motorcycle involved was being ridden west along Somerset Road when the rider, understood to be a 38 year old male, struck the sidewalk near the former Somerset Country Squire.
The rider was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment of injuries that are believed to be serious.
Traffic diversions in the area are currently in effect, while the scene is processed.
Any witnesses are encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible.
Update: As of 2:30am Wednesday, 1st February 2023, traffic diversions were lifted. However, inquiries regarding this motorcycle crash continue. Any witnesses are once again encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible. A further update is anticipated in due course.
Update: Second Road Fatality - Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can confirm that the 38-year-old man seriously hurt in a reported single vehicle motorcycle crash in Sandys parish Tuesday night was pronounced dead in the early morning hours of Wednesday, 1st February 2023.
The death of the 38-year-old man, who is understood to have been a Sandys parish resident, marks Bermuda’s second road fatality of 2023.
It is believed that the fatal crash occurred around 11:55pm Tuesday, 31st January 2023 on Somerset Road, near the junction with Mangrove Bay Road, when the 38-year-old motorcyclist struck a sidewalk near the former Somerset Country Squire Restaurant & Pub.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to provide relevant support to the deceased’s loved ones at this difficult time.
Traffic in the area was diverted for approximately two and a half hours, while the scene was processed.
The investigation into this latest road fatality continues and any witnesses are now encouraged to call the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 as soon as possible.
Update: Second road fatality identified.
Firearm Recovered at Scene of Fatal Collision in Southampton
Tue, 2023-01-31
The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), is continuing enquiries into the fatal road traffic collision that occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, January 29th, 2023, just east of the Henry VIII Restaurant, on South Shore Road, Southampton.
A firearm was found and seized at the scene of this road traffic collision.
The recovery of the firearm and the fatal road traffic collision are being separately investigated at this time, as there is no direct link between the two incidents.
Officers from the Roads Policing Unit are conducting enquiries into the fatal collision.
Detectives from the Serious Crimes Unit are looking into the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the firearm.
The BPS is appealing to those members of the public who were at the scene of this traffic collision, if you have any information relating to the firearm that was recovered, please contact the Senior Investigating Officer, Acting Detective Sergeant, Anneka Donawa, at 717-2250.
You may also contact any member of police staff that you are comfortable with or, alternatively, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 800-8477.
