Two Visitors Hospitalised, One in ICU, After Rental Scooter Crash

Thu, 2022-06-30

Around 1:40pm Wednesday, 29th June 2022 a reported single vehicle rental scooter crash occurred on Somerset Road in Sandys parish, near the junction with Morgan Hill, in the vicinity of Scaur Hill.

Police, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel responded.

It appears that a rental scooter ridden by two American visitors was travelling west along Somerset Road when it struck a wall near Ely’s Harbour.

It is understood that the impact threw the rider, said to be a 46-year-old man and his pillion passenger, said to be a 49-year-old woman over the wall, with both landing on the shoreline below.

The married couple were recovered from the shoreline by emergency services personnel and rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment.

At last check the 46-year-old visiting American man was on a general ward with injuries to his arms, legs and head, while the 49-year-old visiting American woman was in the Intensive Care Unit, with serious head and leg injuries which are considered life threatening.

Traffic in and out of Somerset was delayed for approximately two hours while the scene was processed.

The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a video circulating showing the aftermath of this crash and urge members of the public that if they receive it, please delete it, don’t share it.

Inquiries continue and any witnesses that have not already come forward are encouraged to call 211.

Confiscated Assets Fund Supports BPS Financial Investigators Training

Tue, 2022-06-28

Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro (Officer in Charge, Crime Division) – “Detectives from the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) have embarked on a two week course as of Monday, 27th June 2022, aimed at financial investigations, asset recovery, confiscation & forfeiture, as well as investigating virtual (crypto) currencies. With the ever evolving nature of financial crimes, relevant training of investigators is vital.

The two week course has been funded by the Confiscated Assets Fund, which is enshrined in the Proceeds of Crime Act, where cash and forfeiture orders of the courts are deposited when the court has been satisfied that a person has benefited from criminal conduct. These monies are then utilized partly by law enforcement in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and drug trafficking.

Opening the course, Mrs. Shauna Mackenzie (Acting Chair of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee) made remarks to the course attendees, highlighting the importance of their work in combating criminals use of Bermuda’s financial system to engage in criminal conduct. She made reference to the Bermuda Police Service being at the “frontline” of combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of weapons of mass destruction. Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels also addressed the detectives and highlighted the importance of this investigative capability.

Importantly, the course was implemented to address a specific issue identified by international assessors from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), where Bermuda’s record on asset confiscation and forfeiture was identified as needing improvement.

The detectives on the course work primarily in the Financial Crime Unit, but officers from the Criminal Investigations Unit and Drugs (Narcotics) Unit are also on the course to address successional planning and redundancy issues. The Financial Crime Unit is largely focused on combating money laundering, corruption, fraud, and other forms of serious financial crimes, and works closely with other local Government and international agencies in these areas.

Upon completion of the course, the detectives will be considered trained financial investigators, and also receive certificates in the investigation of virtual currencies. The course is being provided by GENTIUM UK, a worldwide provider of training and services in financial and cryptocurrency investigations.”

Keith Gordon Murder Investigation

Fri, 2022-06-24

At approximately 3 pm on Saturday, 11th June 2022, police received a report that the body of an unresponsive male had been found inside a residence on Victoria Street in the City of Hamilton.

Police officers attended the location where they discovered the lifeless body of a male.

Officers performed an initial assessment and summonsed the assistance of an on-call physician who certified death shortly after their arrival. The scene was preserved and forensically processed with nothing found to lead officers to believe anything suspicious had occurred inside the residence.

Subsequent to the discovery of the male’s body, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) received several reports from members of the community who expressed concern about the circumstances surrounding the death of the 70-year-old male who was identified as Mr. Keith Gordon.

Detective Inspector Jason Smith said: “As a result of the concern expressed and information provided by members of the public, your police service, launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Gordon. As a result, the BPS on Wednesday 15th June, arrested a man who was a person of interest at that time and questioned him in relation to the death of Mr. Gordon.

Subsequent to that particular line of enquiry and as a result of a post-mortem examination that was conducted by an overseas forensic expert, we now can confirm and report that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Keith Gordon is now a murder investigation. A man has been taken into custody and he is assisting police with our enquiries. At the moment, there is a file that is being prepared for review by the DPP, who at the appropriate time will make a determination on the way forward.”

The Bermuda Police Service urges anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr. Gordon in and around the time of 8pm on Friday, 10th June, until the discovery of his body on Saturday, 11th June, to please get in contact with us by calling Detective Inspector Jason Smith on 717-0864. You may also call 211 or, the main police number 295-0011.

Based on their enquiries investigators are aware there was an altercation that took place between Mr. Gordon and another male, in the parking lot of the Ex-Artillery Association on Victoria Street, almost directly across from the residence where Mr. Gordon’s body was found and that there were a number of people who would have witnessed that altercation.

Detective Inspector Smith added: “We appeal for you to come forward to assist us in bringing closure to the family of Mr. Gordon, as well as putting together the pieces of this particular puzzle.”

A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the family of Mr. Gordon during this difficult time.

The Bermuda Police Service extends its sincerest condolences to his family.

Motorcyclist Injured in Reported Serious Single Vehicle Crash

Thu, 2022-06-23

Police are investigating a serious single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle, which occurred at the roundabout at the junction of Palmetto Road and North Shore Road, Devonshire, around 11:55 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022.

The motorcycle rider, a 40-year-old male, was traveling west on North Shore Road, Devonshire. He apparently attempted to continue west onto Palmetto Road at the roundabout, where excavation works are currently being carried out. It is believed he lost control of the bike, hit the island on Palmetto Road and was thrown from the bike.

He sustained facial and head injuries, which appear serious and was subsequently transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he continues to receive treatment for his injuries.

Traffic was diverted away from the area while the Traffic Collision Investigators along with Forensic Staff processed the scene.

Anyone who may have been in the area when the collision occurred or, who may have any information regarding this incident is urged to please contact PC Wayne Sealy via email – wsealy@bps.bm. You may also call 211 or the main police number 295-0011.

Fiqre Crockwell Murder Investigation Still Active Six Years Later

Wed, 2022-06-22

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is renewing the appeal for information in connection with the murder of Fiqre Crockwell.

30-year-old Mr. Crockwell was fatally shot minutes before 3am Monday, 20th June 2016, six years ago whilst on Woodlands Road, Pembroke. At the time he had just left a party with a group of friends.

The gunman is believed to have been waiting in the vicinity of Woodlands Road and DeSilva Close, Pembroke when he approached Mr. Crockwell and shot him. The gunman then tried to start a black Honda motorcycle, CF116, which was parked nearby on DeSilva Close.

The gunman was unable to get the motorcycle started and jumped off and ran around in the immediate vicinity, looking for an escape route The gunman was chased by some of Mr. Crockwell’s friends north along Woodlands Road before they lost sight of him around Euclid Avenue, Pembroke.

The gunman is described as being brown complexioned, approximately 6 feet tall, slim, in his 20s, wearing a black helmet with black visor, red shirt or jacket, dark coloured pants and dark coloured shoes.

The BPS is appealing to witnesses or anyone who may have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.

BPS Thank Public for Cooperation During Holiday Weekend

Wed, 2022-06-22

A relatively quiet Heroes Day holiday, in terms of serious crime, thanks to the cooperation and support of members of the general public. The policing plan announced and implemented before the start of the holiday weekend has had a positive impact.

Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro, Gold Commander for the holiday policing initiative commented: “The combined police and regiment patrols reported no major incidents over the three-day holiday.

There was one incident which occurred in the car park at the Arboretum around 4:15 a.m. Saturday, 18th June 2022, where one man sustained head and facial injuries in an attack involving several other males. The victim, an eighteen-year-old male, was attended to at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and thankfully, has since been discharged from hospital.

We continue to seek the public’s assistance in connection with the ongoing investigation into this matter. Anyone with information, is asked to call 211 or the main police number 295-0011.

Of note on the holiday itself, around 3:40 a.m. Monday, 20th June 2022, police and other first responders attended a single vehicle car crash on Harrington Sound Road, Smith’s parish, just east of Harrington Sound Primary School. The victim in that matter, a twenty-year-old male driver, was initially unresponsive and had to be pulled from the vehicle which had flipped onto its right side. At last check, he remained in hospital undergoing tests for head injuries which are not thought to be life threatening.

There was also a report of a boat becoming stuck on a reef and taking on water around 6:30 p.m. Monday 20th June. Members of the public assisted with pumping out the water and the boat was eventually beached and later taken away via a crane. No injuries were reported.

Disappointingly, the message about not driving whilst impaired (DWI), did not register with everyone and there were three arrests for DWI offences over the holiday weekend.

Speeding remained an issue. Our Roads Policing officers issued a number of tickets for speeding offences, with speeds in excess of 80 kilometres per hour being recorded.”

There were 48 arrests made over the course of the holiday weekend:

•             34 for outstanding warrants.

•             3 for impaired driving.

•             3 for breach of the peace.

•             8 for investigation of other criminal offences.

In addition, Operation Vega, our ongoing traffic enforcement initiative, resulted in 121 traffic tickets being issued for:

•             Speeding: 57

•             Failing to stop: 2

•             Phone offence: 2

•             No driver’s licence: 14

•             Unlicensed vehicle: 13

•             No insurance: 15

•             Disobeying a traffic sign: 12

•             Driving while disqualified: 2

•             Helmet offence: 1

•             Manner of driving: 3

These infractions notwithstanding, the Bermuda Police Service would like to take this opportunity to thank our partner agencies including the Royal Bermuda Regiment, CADA, and the Bermuda Road Safety Council as well as the organisers of the various social events around the island for their assistance and cooperation over the long holiday weekend.

Detective Superintendent Pedro added: “We would especially like to thank you, the members of the public, for doing your part in ensuring that the Heroes Day holiday weekend was celebrated safely and from all appearances, enjoyed by all.”

Driver Hurt in Single Vehicle Car Crash on Harrington Sound Road [Updated]

Mon, 2022-06-20

Around 3:40 a.m. today, Monday, 20th June 2022, police and other first responders attended a serious, single vehicle, road traffic collision on Harrington Sound Road, Smiths Parish, just east of Harrington Sound Primary School.

The driver, a twenty year old male who was the lone occupant of the vehicle, was found unresponsive. He was attended to at the scene by medical personnel and was subsequently transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment for head injuries, the extent of which are unknown.

The vehicle was reportedly traveling west along Harrington Sound Road, when it appears the driver lost control of it while negotiating a turn.

The vehicle was extensively damaged.

Traffic Collision Investigators along with Forensic Support attended and processed the scene, which remained closed for approximately three hours.

Investigations into this matter are now underway and anyone with information is asked to contact 2455 PC Wade on 247-1709 or via email, kwade@bps.bm. You may also call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.

Update: Wednesday, 22nd June - 20-year-old man (driver) hurt in single vehicle car crash believed to have non-life threatening injuries.

Man Hurt in Arboretum Assault, Public Asked Not to Share Video of Incident [Updated]

Sat, 2022-06-18

The Bermuda Police Service is appealing to the public to not share a number of video clips which we are aware are being circulated and which show a number of young people engaging in anti-social behaviour at the Arboretum in Devonshire.

We ask that should you receive any of these the video, you delete them and not forward them on.

The incident occurred around 4:15 a.m. today Saturday 18th June, 2022 in the parking lot of the Arboretum, where several young people gathered after attending a function in Pembroke.

Although there were scores of people who witnessed the incident which resulted in one man being taken to hospital where he was attended to for multiple head and facial injuries, no one was willing to provide any information to police officers who responded to reports of the fracas.

An investigation into this situation is now underway and police are appealing for anyone with any knowledge of what transpired, to please get in contact with us by calling 211, the main police number, 295-0011, the confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or, speak with an officer you know.

Update: Wednesday, 22nd June - 18-year-old man hurt in Arboretum assault treated and dishacrged from hospital.

Sudden Death Victim Identification: 70-Year-Old Keith Gordon

Wed, 2022-06-15

The Bermuda Police Service can confirm the identity of the 70-year-old male whose lifeless body was found at a Victoria Street, City of Hamilton residence as Mr. Keith Gordon.

An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Gordon.

A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist Mr. Gordon’s relatives during this difficult time.

Anyone with knowledge of Mr. Gordon’s whereabouts between the hours of 8:00 pm on Saturday, 11th June and 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, 12th June, 2022, is asked to call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or to speak with an officer you know.

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

Investigation Commenced Into Sudden Death of 70-Year-Old Man [Updated]

Wed, 2022-06-15

Having received certain information, the Bermuda Police Service has begun an investigation into the death of a 70-year-old male, whose lifeless body was found at a Victoria Street, City of Hamilton residence on Saturday, 11th June, 2022.

Detective Inspector Jason Smith said, “An autopsy is set to take place as part of this investigation into this matter.

We wish to thank those members of the public who have provided us with information.

However, we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed two males involved in an altercation near the Ex-Artillery Club on Victoria Street, City of Hamilton between the hours of 8:00 p.m. Friday, 10th June, and 3:00 a.m. on Saturday 11th June, 2022, to please get in contact with us.”

Anyone with information on this matter is asked to call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or, as in the case of those who have already come forward, speak with an officer you know.

Update: Deceased 70-year-old man identified as Mr. Keith Gordon.