Two Men Hurt Fighting Each Other With Bladed Weapons on Front Street

Tuesday, November 01,2022

Around 9:15 p.m. on Monday 31st October 2022, police received a ‘911’ call regarding two males fighting in the area of the Bird Cage on Front Street, in the City of Hamilton. One of the males, a 31-year-old, sustained a cut to one of his hands. The other male, a 46-year-old, suffered injuries to his back and both arms. Both men were attended to at the scene by EMTs and were subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment. Neither man’s injuries are believed to be life-threatening. Police officers recovered a box cutter and a knife at the scene of the incident which was closed off for a short period, while being processed by officers from the Forensic Support Unit. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477. You may also share the information with a police officer you know.

Sudden Death of Man at Blue Hole Park [Updated]

Monday, October 31,2022

The Bermuda Police Service is investigating the sudden death of a man, whose lifeless body was found in the Blue Hole Park area of Hamilton Parish, shortly after 11:00 a.m. today, Monday, October 31st, 2022. An on call doctor attended the scene and pronounced the man dead at approximately 1:00 pm. Anyone with information on this matter, is asked to contact Police Sergeant, Cornelius Marc on 717-2233 or, via e-mail: cmarc@bps.bm. No further information will be given until next of kin have been notified. Update: Tuesday, 1st November - The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 32-year-old Faisal Baia and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. The lifeless body of Mr. Baia was found in the Blue Hole Park area of Hamilton parish shortly after 11am Monday, 31st October 2022. He was later pronounced dead at the scene by an on call doctor. A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to Mr. Baia’s loved ones at this difficult time. Foul play is not suspected. However, an autopsy is anticipated. The investigation regarding this sudden death continues and anyone with information that can assist is once again asked to contact Sergeant Cornelius Marc on 717-2233 or, via e-mail cmarc@bps.bm.

Some Parish Constables Re-Deployed Until End of December

Monday, October 31,2022

The Bermuda Police Service wishes to inform the public that due to operational priorities, some Parish Officers are being re-deployed to general patrol duties until the end of December 2022. Therefore, there will be limited access to your Parish Officers during this period. We recognize the value that Parish Officers bring to our community and thank the public for their patience and understanding. Meantime, should you need to contact the Parish Constables office please call, 247-1425.

Reported Missing Person: 32-Year-Old Faisal Baia [Updated]

Monday, October 31,2022

The Bermuda Police Service is appealing for the public’s assistance in locating 32-year-old Faisal Baia. Mr. Baia is described as tan or olive complexioned, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall of slim build, weighing around 170 pounds with straight black hair. Last known contact was around 11:10pm Sunday, 30th October 2022. He is known to frequent Somersall Road, Hidden Cove and Spittal Pond areas of Smith’s parish and is apparently driving a red Renault Captur bearing license plate 11644. Police officers are currently attempting to locate Mr. Baia and encourage any members of the public with relevant information to assist. Anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of 32-year-old Faisal Baia is encouraged to call 211 or e-mail 211@bps.bm as soon as possible. Update: Tuesday, 1st November - Sudden Death of 32-Year-Old Faisal Baia.

Policing Plan & Public Safety Advice for Halloween

Thursday, October 27,2022

With Halloween observed on Monday this year, the Bermuda Police Service is aware of a host of scheduled activities and parties across the island, including several this weekend. Patrons attending Halloween parties are asked to act in a responsible manner. Carefully consider your options and the consequences. If you intend on consuming alcohol – please, do not make the mistake of driving whilst impaired. Poor choices can have long term ramifications. Motorists are advised to slow down to help keep the roads calmer, particularly when travelling through neighbourhoods. We don’t want a tragedy to occur, as there will be lots of pedestrians on the roads - many of whom will be children dressed in dark coloured costumes. As usual, police officers will be patrolling throughout the western, central and eastern parishes monitoring the various Halloween related activities. Although the Bermuda Police Service is well positioned to deal with Halloween from an enforcement perspective, our focus is also on public safety – and we appeal to the community to do their part to preserve the safety and security of everyone. We encourage older children, parents, friends and family to do their part in keeping their young children close by and safe. We also ask that persons walking along the main roads with young children wear brightly coloured clothing as well as reflective items and strongly encourage the use of flashlights during the hours of darkness. In addition, young children should be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian whilst out ‘trick or treating.’ This should be a fun event, but let’s also make it a safe event. To that end, the Bermuda Police Service is mindful that there are persons within our community who will use Halloween as an opportunity to commit unlawful acts which may cause injury to persons and/or damage to property. Such acts include but are not limited to throwing eggs and other projectiles. The Bermuda Police Service would like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that such behaviour will not be tolerated and officers will use all lawful powers to deter and detect anti-social behaviour. However, we cannot do this alone - working in partnership with you the community, the Bermuda Police Service asks that parents, shopkeepers and gas station owners/operators be wary of persons, particularly those young in age, who attempt to purchase unusually large quantities of eggs. Throwing eggs at people or property may seem like innocent fun – but this irresponsible and potentially dangerous act can cause personal injury and property damage. Therefore, anyone caught engaging in such activity will be dealt with appropriately. In closing, the Bermuda Police Service would like to wish those participating in Halloween related activities a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

Detectives Seek Public’s Help to Identify Princess Street Assailant

Thursday, October 27,2022

 Approximately 10:45pm Wednesday 26th October 2022, a woman was sitting outside her home on Princess Street, Pembroke when she was apparently grabbed from behind and a knife placed to her throat. The assailant is then said to have pushed the woman into her residence – however, on seeing another occupant within the home, the assailant retreated. No persons were injured during the incident and no items of value were taken. The suspect has been described as a light complexioned male, approximately 6 feet tall and 19-21 years old. He was wearing a grey shirt and black pants with red stripes. The Bermuda Police Service is seeking the public’s help in identifying this individual. Please call detectives on 211 or 295-0011. Alternatively, members of the public can call the independent and anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477 (TIPS), or speak to a police officer they know.

Two Male Visitors Hurt In Three Vehicle Paget Collision

Wednesday, October 26,2022

Around 4:40pm Tuesday, 25th October 2022, a reported three vehicle collision occurred on South Road in Paget near the junction with Harvey Road. Details are limited at this time. However, two rental scooters and a car were involved. Two visiting men were hurt and transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment. Each was riding a separate rental scooter at the time of the collision. One of the men is understood to have sustained injuries to his arms and legs, while the other is understood to have sustained injuries to his hands. Both visitors are in Bermuda for the 2022 Butterfield Bermuda Championship golf tournament. Traffic in the area was diverted for approximately one hour while the collision scene was processed. Inquiries continue regarding the circumstances of this collision and any witnesses are encouraged to call 211.

Witness Appeal After Man Stabbed at Queen Elizabeth Park Monday

Tuesday, October 25,2022

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to a stabbing incident that took place around 5:15pm Monday, 24th October 2022 at Queen Elizabeth Park (formerly Par-La-Ville Park) in the City of Hamilton. A 31-year-old local man was seen walking in the park by two members of the public before he collapsed on a set of steps. Emergency services were quickly called for assistance. On arrival of police and ambulance personnel, it was discovered that the 31-year-old man had a stab wound to his leg, which was treated at the scene by EMTs. He was then transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital by ambulance for further medical care and later discharged. The scene has been processed and inquiries continue regarding the circumstances of this incident. Any witnesses who may have seen an altercation in Queen Elizabeth Park around 5pm Monday, as well as members of the public with relevant information, are encouraged to call the Criminal Investigations Department on 247-1744 or 211.

BPS Firearms Training in Devonshire: 25th, 26th & 27th October

Monday, October 24,2022

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is advising the public that firearms training for armed police officers will take place Tuesday, 25th October through Thursday, 27th October 2022, from 9am until 3pm all three days. The scenario based training will be carried out in and around the Prospect, Devonshire BPS headquarters area, as well as Middle Road and Montpelier Road, Devonshire. There may be loud noises during each exercise and the BPS thanks the public in advance for their understanding.

Two Arrested, Stolen Motorcycle Recovered After Police Pursuit Friday

Monday, October 24,2022

Around 3pm Friday, 21st October 2022 police officers were involved in a pursuit of a suspected stolen motorcycle from Paget, through Devonshire into Smith’s parish, after the rider failed to stop and rode in a dangerous manner. The incident ended in the vicinity of St. Patrick’s Church on South Road in Smith’s parish, after the rider lost control of the motorcycle. The two male suspects (rider and pillion passenger) were arrested after attempting to escape on foot. Both suspects, understood to be a 17 year old local male and a 16 year old local male were unhurt and later released on police bail, pending further inquiries. The motorcycle involved was recovered by police and later confirmed stolen. Any witnesses or members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to call 211.

Fentanyl Candy Warning Shared on Social Media: No Instances Locally

Friday, October 21,2022

With Halloween fast approaching, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is aware of information circulating on social media stating that “Fentanyl is being packaged as Skittles & Nerds” candy. However, there have been no instances locally reported to the BPS. Nonetheless, members of the public – particularly those that celebrate Halloween – are reminded to remain vigilant regarding any candy they may receive.

Rider Hurt After Motorcycle & Truck Collide in Sandys Parish

Thursday, October 20,2022

Around 1:55pm today, Thursday 20th October 2022, a reported two vehicle collision occurred at the junction of Malabar Road and Heydon Road in Sandys parish. It appears that a motorcyclist was travelling east along Malabar Road and a West End Development Corporation truck was being driven in the opposite direction when the vehicles collided as the truck driver, said to be a 47-year-old Pembroke man, attempted to make a right turn onto Heydon Road. The rider, said to be a 33-year-old St. George’s man, apparently sustained injuries to his legs and was initially treated at the crash site by EMTs. He was then transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, conscious and breathing, for further treatment. The truck driver was not hurt. Traffic diversions were in effect for approximately three hours while the scene was processed and motorists in the area experienced some delays as a result. Inquiries continue and any witnesses are encouraged to call 211 or e-mail 211@bps.bm.

Residents Reminded of Proactive Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips

Thursday, October 20,2022

Due to a recent increase in reported thefts from unattended parked vehicles, the Bermuda Police Service is reminding members of the public to take proactive steps to reduce the chances of opportunistic crime. Residents are once again advised to be vigilant about where they park their motorcycles, cars, trucks/vans – particularly overnight (well-lit areas are preferable). It is also strongly recommended that valuable items are removed before leaving vehicles parked and unattended. Parked motorcycles should be secured using the handlebar lock along with a secondary lock – like a wheel lock or throttle lock – and if the motorcycle has a storage box, it should also be secured before leaving the vehicle unattended. In general, the following pre-emptive tips can help reduce theft from vehicles. •             Always lock unattended vehicles Make it a habit to lock your vehicle, even if you’re only going to be away from it for a moment. For cars and trucks/vans, that includes closing all windows and the sun roof, if the vehicle has one. •             Take valuables with you or hide them Typical items stolen from unattended motorcycles include helmets and rain suits. Ideally, neither should be left under the seat, or in a lockbox. Any personal/electronic items left visible in unattended cars increases the likelihood that they will be stolen. Hide them in the trunk/boot, or take them with you. •             Mark and lock away tools left in unattended trucks/vans Trucks/vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If leaving tools in an unattended truck/van during the day or overnight, mark them clearly with your name/company name and address. Use permanent marker and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Consider using a lockable cabinet within your truck/van to store tools, take photographs of them and note their serial numbers. As always, members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious individuals or activity seen around unattended parked vehicles, by calling 211 at the earliest opportunity – providing as much information as possible about the location and time of any suspicious behaviour, as well as a description of the suspect(s) involved, if possible.

17 BPS Officers Complete Essex Police Fatal Collision Investigators Course

Monday, October 17,2022

Between 10th and 14th October 2022, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) hosted UK trainers from Essex Police at Police Headquarters in Prospect, Devonshire. Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell (Tactical Operations) explained, “The instructors, Inspector Mark Fraser and Sergeant Kevin May, took BPS Roads Policing Unit officers plus Traffic Collision Investigators strategically through relatively new processes of approaching as well as conducting fatal collision investigations, considering various different aspects and components of fatal collisions. BPS officers on the course were also guided through the mechanisms of Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) approaches to investigations, including the development of policy decisions supported by various actions. At the conclusion of the training, all 17 officers that participated graduated with certificates as qualified fatal collision investigator SIOs, embracing the new skills they learned with a view to substantially elevating existing fatal collision investigation protocols.” The following BPS officers successfully completed the Essex Police fatal collision investigators course: •             Constable 469 Walter Jackson •             Constable 836 Victor Fishington •             Constable 862 Jason Ming •             Constable 878 Carl Gibbons •             Constable 951 Stephen Paynter •             Constable 2004 Roger Fox  •             Sergeant 2111 Olasunkanmi Akinmola •             Constable 2123 Asaph Rawlins •             Sergeant 2178 Michael Butcher •             Constable 2221 Dennis Joell •             Sergeant 2338 Anton Gilbert •             Inspector 2345 Kenten Trott •             Constable 2365 Stephen Allen •             Acting Sergeant 2400 Chaquita Simmons •             Acting Sergeant 2468 Jason Savoury •             Acting Sergeant 2475 Mellisa Butler •             Constable 2543 Kayla Smith Photo courtesy of Dexter Flood.

Motorcyclist Hurt in Southampton Crash Friday Evening

Saturday, October 15,2022

Around 9:40 pm on Friday, October 14th, 2022, police responded to a single vehicle road traffic collision, on Middle Road near the junction with Luke’s Pond Road, Southampton. A sixty-one-year-old male was riding a motorcycle west, on Middle Road, when he lost control of the vehicle and ended up on the roadway. He was transported by ambulance to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was attended to for what were described as non life threatening injuries, abrasions to the face and a broken right shoulder. Investigations into this matter are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.

Court Remands 34-Year-Old Man Into Custody for Burglary Spree

Friday, October 14,2022

Between the 30th of August 2022 and the 11th of October 2022, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) investigated the reported burglaries of several local businesses, namely: •             Price Rite in Warwick •             Robin Hood Pub & Restaurant in Pembroke •             Ocean View Golf Club in Devonshire •             North Village Community Club in Pembroke, and •             A-1 MarketPlace Supermarket in Smith’s parish. An individual was captured on CCTV either entering the premises during daylight hours and or during the hours of darkness, stealing a quantity of alcoholic beverages, hardware tools and a cooler. As a result of the investigation, this male intruder was apprehended by police, whilst trying to commit another act of a similar nature. Today (Friday, 14th October 2022), the BPS can confirm that 34-year-old Melvin Holdipp appeared in Magistrates’ Court and pled guilty to 10 counts of burglary and 4 counts of theft, totalling over $5,000 worth of goods – in addition to $1,500 worth of property damage. He was then remanded into custody, pending sentencing. The Bermuda Police Service wish to thank members of the public for their assistance in these matters.

Motorcyclist Injured After Three Vehicle Collision in Pembroke

Friday, October 14,2022

Around 4pm Thursday, 13th October 2022 a reported three vehicle collision occurred on St. John’s Road in Pembroke, near the junction with Cox’s Hill Road. Police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel responded to the scene. It appears that a motorcyclist travelling east on St. John’s Road struck the back of an eastbound SUV that had come to a stop. Apparently the rider, said to be a 32-year-old Smith’s parish man, then fell into the path of a truck being driven in the opposite direction, ending up under the truck. It is understood members of the public also came to the rider’s assistance. Once EMTs extracted the 32-year-old man from under the truck, he was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital by ambulance, conscious and breathing, for treatment of various non-life threatening injuries. Area traffic was diverted for approximately two hours while the crash site was processed. All three vehicles involved were damaged. The driver of the SUV, said to be a 72-year-old Pembroke man and the driver of the truck, said to be a 46-year-old Pembroke man, were not hurt. Inquiries continue and any witnesses are encouraged to call 211.

Reported Serious Two Motorcycle Collision in Southampton: Three Hurt

Friday, October 14,2022

Three people, a female motorcycle rider, her female pillion passenger and a male motorcycle rider, were taken to hospital following a head on road traffic collision on the Rising Sun stretch, Middle Road, Southampton, around 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 13th, 2022. The female motorcyclist whose age remains unconfirmed, suffered a head wound and was unresponsive for a short time. Her eighteen year old female pillion passenger, was left with abrasions about the body. The thirty one year old male motorcycle rider, sustained a broken leg and suspected broken arm. All three were transported to hospital by ambulance for further treatment of their injuries, which are not considered life-threatening at this time. The crash resulted in a three hour road closure with traffic diverted from the scene as it was processed by Traffic Collision Investigators and officers from the Forensic Support Unit. Both motorcycles were written off. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed or, has information on this serious road traffic collision, to please call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels Attends CONSLE Meeting

Wednesday, October 12,2022

On the heels of Bermuda Government’s ‘Stop the Violence' two-day community workshop, the Minister of National Security Mr. Michael Weeks, JP MP, together with Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Antoine Daniels, recently attended the 24th sitting of the annual meeting of the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The 3-day meeting was attended by Government Ministers and law enforcement representatives from the CARICOM member states, as well as U.S. leads from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (HSI). Dr. Horace Chang the CONSLE Chair, who also performs dual roles as Jamaica’s Deputy Leader and Minister for National Security, stated that the meeting was an opportunity to examine solutions to discuss complex challenges facing the CARICOM region, with a singular focus, as well as to explore ways to strengthen existing frameworks and partnerships. He identified four priority areas that are of common security interest to member states. These are: o              Firearms Trafficking o              Cyber Security o              Trafficking in Persons and o              Maritime Security. Although small islands in terms of landmass, there are huge vulnerabilities due to the vast ocean geography. Risks are not only associated with the smuggling of firearms and illicit drugs, but also unlawful fishing by international vessels, thus creating a real threat to fishing stocks, with island residents suffering from potential food shortages in future. A particular reference was made to a ship that was tracked, targeted and boarded by law enforcement whereby 240 metric tons (+500,000 pounds) of assorted tuna was removed from the Caribbean Sea by unauthorized international fisherman. The dual threat of land and sea criminality, with conservative estimates as high as 10% of member states GDP potentially being lost. A key and reoccurring theme of the meeting was a heavy emphasis on strengthening partnerships, training, building international alliances, having effective implementation plans, information/intelligence sharing, leveraging technology, having more agility and less bureaucracy and building a framework to deploy existing and any new resources more effectively. The Chair, Dr. Chang, noted that 4 CARICOM states are currently included in the world’s top 10 for homicide rates per 100,000 residents. He spoke about the scourge of firearms within the Caribbean Region and the effect this has on the quality of life, namely people, the environment and the economy. Despite there being no firearms manufacturers in any of the member states, 70% of Jamaica’s annual average of 1,300 homicides are committed with the use of firearms, that are too easily accessible to organised crime groups, and those individuals’ intent on causing harm and death. ACOP Daniels stated: “There is a continuous requirement for Bermuda law enforcement agencies to strengthen their relationships with our Caribbean and U.S counterparts, such as CBP/ATF/HSI, as there are striking similarities between the multiple challenges facing the Caribbean and Bermuda, with us all being small island states surrounded by vast expanses of ocean.”  Mr. Daniels added: “Despite the scale/scope of issues differing in terms of volume, many of the root causes of violence and community impact are identical. Bermuda has already experienced 8 murders in 2022 alone, and 11 persons killed within a 12-month period with the use of either a firearm (6) or bladed instrument (5), both unprecedented since the recording of annual statistics began. Although violence in our society is a complex, wider community problem and not solely a law enforcement one, the BPS and its local partners have an important role to play in an effort to tackle current and emerging threats, ensuring that the most dangerous criminals are targeted, apprehended, prosecuted and incarcerated.” Minister Weeks was pleased to have attended the workshop with ACOP Daniels and found the sessions extremely informative. Meeting other Island leaders and discussing common issues amongst the Islands, was very helpful, particularly as we fine tune our strategy for tackling violence and anti-social behaviour in Bermuda.

Operation Vega Update

Tuesday, October 11,2022

We are once again reporting good performance across the police service with the Operation Vega traffic enforcement initiative. We are pleased with the results, albeit the numbers are down from the previous reporting period. When assessing these numbers, we also have to consider the number of calls for service requiring police officer attendance. These calls for service must be addressed in tandem with Operation Vega. We continue to be concerned with the number of unlicensed and uninsured vehicles on the roads. We once again advise everyone to ensure your vehicle is licensed and insured. Also, that your driver’s license is current and not expired. We are delighted that Operation Vega appears to be having some influence on collision numbers. We recently reported that 3rd quarter collision numbers were reduced when compared with previous years. This is indeed the space we want to be in, but we still have much work in front of us to bring down the numbers further and achieve our overall goal of making Bermuda safer, including on the roads. The break-down of traffic offences reported is as follows: ·         Speeding                                         281 (-87) (Over the limit speeds ranged from 59 kph to 95 kph)  ·         Traffic Sign                                       39 (-74)                  ·         Unlicensed Vehicle                         55 (-20)                   ·         No third party insurance                 56 (-3)             ·         No Driver’s license                         32 (-14)       ·         Manner of driving                          14 (+2) ·         Disqualified                                      5 (+2)                      ·         Seatbelt                                            11 (+7)                        ·         Helmet                                              5 (-10)                ·         Handheld device                              0 (+0) ·         Defective vehicle                             2 (-5) ·         Fail to give name/address              0 (0) ·         Fail to Stop                                        2 (-8) ·         Fraud Docs                                        6 (+5) ·         Defective Vehicle                             2 (+2) ·         Making False Statement                 1 (+1)                            ·         Impaired Driving Arrests                 17 Competing with Operation Vega performance are calls for service.  This was a busy period for calls for service with 976 recorded in this period.