Investigation Underway After Intruders Enter St. George's Home

Tuesday, November 16,2021

Shortly after 9:00 p.m. on Monday 15th November, 2021, police responded to reports of a disturbance at a residence on Queen Street in St. George. Upon arrival officers were informed an elderly female, who was home alone, was confronted by three males dressed in black and wearing facemasks. The suspects reportedly forced their way inside the premises and demanded cash and valuables. Upon hearing the commotion, neighbours came to the assistance of the elderly female. The suspects escaped east along nearby Chapel Lane. It is believed they left the area in a waiting car. Two of the suspects, one of whom wore white gloves, are described as slim built and approximately 6’ tall. The third suspect was said to be medium built and approximately 5’ 5” tall.  The elderly victim was transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after she complained of pain to her upper body. The suspects fled the scene empty handed. An investigation into this matter has now commenced and anyone with information is asked to call Detective Chief Inspector, Sherwin Joseph, on 295-0011 or 211. You may also call 800-8477 the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number.

Smith's Parish Domestic Incident Murder Victim Identified as Morissa Moniz

Monday, November 15,2021

The Bermuda Police Service can now reveal the identity of the 28-year-old woman whose lifeless body was found at a Smith’s Parish residence in the early morning hours of Thursday 11th November, 2021, as Morissa Moniz (pictured right). Miss Moniz was found in an unresponsive state after police responded to a reported domestic incident. She was later pronounced dead at the scene by an on-call physician. The investigation into this matter remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith on 717-0864. Alternatively, you may call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or, Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.

Sixteenth Road Traffic Fatality for 2021

Monday, November 15,2021

Shortly before 6:00 p.m. today, Sunday 14th November, 2021, police and other first responders attended a serious single vehicle road traffic collision at the junction of Middle Road and Lighthouse Road, Southampton. Reports are a male motorcyclist was proceeding east on Middle Road, when he collided with a wall, was thrown from the bike and landed in the waters at Jew’s Bay, adjacent to the Waterlot Inn. The victim was reportedly pulled from the water by members of the public who began CPR until the arrival of EMTs who continued performing CPR, and transported him via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries. Sadly, this marks the island’s 16th road fatality for this year. The roadway was cordoned off and traffic diverted away from the area as the scene of the collision was forensically processed. The roads were re-opened around 8:30 p.m. Anyone with information on the incident, is asked to call 295-0011.

Smith's Parish Murder Investigation Update: 37-Year-Old Man Arrested

Friday, November 12,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), can confirm the arrest of a 37-year-old male suspect, who has been assisting with the investigation into the sudden death of a 28-year-old woman, whose lifeless body was found at a Smith’s Parish residence, following a reported domestic dispute during the early morning hours of Thursday 11th November, 2021.  Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith, the officer in charge of the investigation is urging anyone with information on this incident to please contact him on 717-0864.  Alternatively, you may call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or, Crime Stoppers, on 800-8477. It is anticipated the suspect will be appearing before the courts early next week.  A BPS Family Liaison Officer has been provided to assist relatives of the deceased during this difficult period. The Bermuda Police Service extends its condolences to the family of the deceased.  No further information will be provided on this matter at this time. Update: Sunday, 14th November - Smith's parish domestic incident murder victim identified.

Investigation Underway After 28-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Smith's Parish

Thursday, November 11,2021

Police are investigating the sudden death of a 28-year-old woman whose lifeless body was found at a Smith’s Parish residence shortly after 2:45 this morning. Police attended the residence in response to reports of a domestic incident and found the woman’s body with suspected multiple stab wounds. A 37-year-old unresponsive male found at the scene, was transported via ambulance to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was attended to for injuries to his hands. He is now assisting police with their investigation into this incident. The scene has been forensically processed and death was certified by an on-call physician. Police are appealing for anyone who has any information on this incident, to please call 211 or the main police number, 295-0011. Update: Friday, 12th November - 37-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of 28-year-old woman.

Acting Commissioner Responds to Social Justice Bermuda

Wednesday, November 10,2021

Acting Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons - "I acknowledge and appreciate the views of Social Justice Bermuda, as expressed in their Monday, 8th November 2021 public statement. This is an unacceptable situation in which a police officer admitted to engaging in activity that caused significant concern to a family and the community.  We all agree that this should not have happened and there should be a consequence. However, there is a prescribed process that must be followed and all the facts must be considered so that the appropriate determination is made.  I seek the public’s patience to allow due process to occur, as we work to resolve this matter.  In order to solve crimes and generally help make Bermuda safer, the longstanding partnership between the police and the community is vital. Therefore, I welcome comments from organisations such as Social Justice Bermuda. All community views have value, particularly those that express dissatisfaction. They give us pause and provide an opportunity for reflection and growth. Unfortunately, the 8th November public statement by Social Justice Bermuda also contained some inaccurate remarks. I wish to state that it was established that a police officer did not share the untimely passing of a prominent member of our community before the next of kin were made aware. In fact, it was confirmed that this error in judgement was made by someone who was in no way linked to the Bermuda Police Service.  Also, an investigation into publicising personal information and documents related to that public figure, confirmed that it only occurred after the Bermuda Police Service had returned those documents.  The independent Police Complaints Authority reviewed the findings of that investigation.  Separately, a report on the events of 2nd December 2016 was prepared by an independent authority and made public shortly after. That report has led to changes in how we deal with public order incidents.  In addition, the recent handling of a matter involving an officer's social media post was dealt with before the courts and reported on by the local news media. That officer is no longer a member of the Bermuda Police Service.  I have previously shared that delays in providing crime statistics result from staffing reallocations that prioritise police response to crime over the statistics. Notwithstanding this, I wholeheartedly acknowledged the criticism regarding the tardiness in producing these figures at a recent press conference, where delayed crime statistics from 2018 and 2019 were released. I stress, however, ensuring public safety will always remain the top priority of the Bermuda Police Service.  To be clear, we remain focused on this most recent situation. I again apologise to the families and those impacted by what transpired.  Even when we don't get it right, I remain confident that the women and men of the Bermuda Police Service know all too well the value of the community's trust and support and are saddened when we fall short of those expectations."

Acting Commissioner Confirms Police Officer Shared Fatal Collision CCTV

Friday, November 05,2021

The Bermuda Police Service can confirm that one of our officers inappropriately shared a video of the most recent fatal road traffic collision. Mr. Darrin Simons Acting Commissioner of Police said,  “After the officer noticed that the video was being shared widely within the community, he immediately came forward, took responsibility for his actions and apologised. This avoided what may have been a lengthy investigation into what transpired. The matter is now under disciplinary review by the Professional Standards Department to determine the suitable outcome.” Mr. Simons continued, “I am deeply troubled that we have let the community down by this action. We exist to make Bermuda safe and causing distress or harm like this is simply unacceptable. I unreservedly apologise to family and friends of the deceased, to the staff at the gas station who may have been scrutinised, and the community as a whole for the impact this has caused. We can and will do better.”

Fifteenth Road Fatality for 2021: Jahtino Richardson-Martin

Friday, November 05,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 23-year-old Jahtino Richardson-Martin, Bermuda’s 15th road fatality for 2021. Mr. Richardson-Martin was seriously hurt when the motorcycle he was riding and a car collided at the entrance of RUBiS Terceira’s North Shore service station shortly after 9:05am Wednesday, 3rd November. Despite being rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, sadly the Pembroke resident later succumbed to his injuries. A BPS Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to help support Mr. Richardson-Martin’s family at this difficult time. The car driver involved, said to be a 25-year-old Pembroke man, was not hurt. Once again, if they receive it, members of the public are reminded to delete and not further share a video being circulated on social media showing Wednesday’s fatal collision. The continued sharing of the graphic video is only adding to the distress of the families involved. The cooperation of those who have already assisted with inquiries is greatly appreciated and the BPS continues to encourage any witnesses that have not yet come forward – or members of the public with relevant information – to call Constable Noah Harvey on 247-1309, 211 or e-mail nharvey@bps.bm at the earliest opportunity.

Two Men Arrested in Connection With Aggravated Burglary Bailed, Investigation Continues

Friday, November 05,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), would like to thank the public for their continued assistance with the investigation into the aggravated burglary/sexual assault which occurred in Smith's Parish on Tuesday 19th October, 2021. Two arrests have been made in connection with this matter. On Friday 29th October, 2021, a 20-year-old man was arrested and the public will recall another male suspect was arrested on the day the incident occurred. Both men have since been bailed to return to Hamilton Police Station at a later date, whilst the investigation continues. Detectives are still keen to hear from anyone who knows anything about this brutal attack, and home invasion. We still need your help. We once again thank those members of the public who have come forward to assist with the investigation, and urge anyone with any information, no matter how unimportant you feel it might be, to contact Detective Chief Inspector Sherwin Joseph, the lead investigator in this matter, on 717-2158, 247-1248 or via email, jsherwin@bps.bm. Alternatively, you may also call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or Crime Stoppers, 800-8477.

Renewed Witness Appeal: Fifteenth Road Fatality for 2021

Thursday, November 04,2021

The Bermuda Police Service would like to thank those witnesses that have already come forward to assist with the investigation regarding the island’s latest road fatality. However, a renewed witness appeal is being issued seeking specific information about the movements of the two vehicles involved in Wednesday morning’s fatal collision. The investigating officer is particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen a black Yamaha NVX motorcycle travelling west along North Shore Road through the Flatts Village area toward RUBiS Terceira’s North Shore service station around 9am Wednesday – as well as anyone who may have seen a blue Peugeot 306 car travelling east along North Shore Road toward the same place, at the same time. Members of the public with relevant information or dash cam footage are asked to call Constable Noah Harvey on 247-1309, 211 or e-mail nharvey@bps.bm immediately. Update: Friday, 5th November - Bermuda's 15th road fatality identified.

Online Scams Advisory: Beware of Investment & Online Shopping Fraudsters

Thursday, November 04,2021

The Bermuda Police Service is alerting the public to two fraudulent schemes currently circulating within the community.  The first is dubbed, the “Hyperfund Scam”. A company which appears legitimate, invites you to invest with them, whilst offering large returns on your investment. Hyperfund operates on a multi-level marketing model, similar to that of a Ponzi scheme. Several persons have fallen victim to the scheme, with one Bermudian investing upwards of BDA $10,000.  In the second scam, persons are being contacted by individuals purporting to be from the online shopping platform Amazon. The fraudster then informs the intended victim they have a monetary claim on hold and requests certain personal details to confirm their order. This is an attempt from the fraudster to obtain the personal banking details of unsuspecting victims.  The following are red flags associated with these two fraudulent schemes:

Clarification: 15 Road Fatalities for 2021 So Far

Wednesday, November 03,2021

This afternoon, Wednesday 3rd November, it was further confirmed that 58-year-old Matthew Cooper succumbed to his injuries at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit on Friday, 29th October. Mr. Cooper, understood to be a UK guest worker, was critically injured when the pedal cycle he was riding collided with a car on Middle Road in Smith’s parish near the junction with Fielder’s Lane around 6:10pm Sunday, 17th October. As a result, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can verify that the number of road fatalities for the year so far is 15, as outlined in this corrected list.

Fifteenth Road Fatality for 2021 [Updated]

Wednesday, November 03,2021

Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of the 23-year-old male motorcyclist seriously injured in a collision with a car that occurred at the entrance of RUBiS Terceira’s North Shore service station shortly after 9:05am today, Wednesday 3rd November and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. Official identification is anticipated in due course, pending next of kin notification. The young man’s death marks Bermuda’s 15th road fatality for 2021. The car driver involved, said to be a 25-year-old Pembroke man, was not hurt. A BPS Traffic Collision Investigator and Forensic Support Unit specialist completed their inquiries at the scene by 11:20am. However, the investigation continues regarding this latest fatal collision and any witnesses or members of the public with relevant information are now urged to call the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788, or 211, as soon as possible. Update: Further clarification regarding the number of road fatalities so far this year.

Motorcyclist Injured in Reported Serious Two Vehicle Collision [Updated]

Wednesday, November 03,2021

Shortly after 9:05am today, Wednesday, 3rd November 2021, a reported serious two vehicle collision occurred on North Shore Road in Smith’s parish, at the entrance to RUBiS Terceira’s North Shore service station.  Early information indicates that a car was being driven east and a motorcycle was being ridden in the opposite direction when the vehicles collided, as the car turned into the service station.

Investigation Underway After 23 Year Old Man Hurt in Altercation

Monday, November 01,2021

Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on Friday 22nd October, 2021, police received reports of a fight involving several males at Azura Bermuda, 90 South Road, Warwick. Reports indicated about 20 persons were involved in the altercation using helmets, a knife and a machete. A 23-year-old male sustained a non-life-threatening laceration to his arm. He was attended to at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for his injury and subsequently discharged. Enquiries into this incident are underway and anyone with information, particularly anyone who may have video recordings of what transpired, is asked to call Police Constable Patricia Jeffers, of the Criminal Investigations Department on the main police number, 295-0011. Alternatively, you may also call 211 or, the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.

Inquiries Underway After Van Found Overboard in St. George's

Monday, November 01,2021

At approximately 5:08 a.m. on Monday 1st November, 2021, police received reports that a motor vehicle seen in the water off St. David’s Road, St. George's, near the Swing Bridge. Attending officers checked the vehicle but there was no one inside. Bermuda Coast Guard personnel were informed and attended the scene. Police and Coast Guard personnel carried out an extensive search both on land and on the water, however, there was nothing found to indicate anyone was injured in this incident. The registered owner of the vehicle was contacted and they reported the vehicle had been removed without consent. The matter is now under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call 211, or the main police number, 295-0011.

Public Thanked After Person of Interest Zywonde Lema Located

Friday, October 29,2021

Zywonde Lema, a person of interest to the Bermuda Police Service, was arrested earlier today. We wish to thank members of the public for their assistance in locating Mr. Lema.

Erroneous Information Circulating

Friday, October 29,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is once again appealing to the public to not circulate unfounded rumours and misinformation, since this serves no purpose other than to create discomfort and cause alarm in our community. The BPS is aware of a voice note and accompanying image suggesting officers are engaged in a firearms incident involving a soldier at the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Warwick Camp Headquarters. We wish to make it clear there is no truth to these claims.

Halloween Policing

Friday, October 29,2021

The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), wishes to assure the public that in light of recent acts of violence and in an effort to avert any reprisals, there will be a heightened police presence throughout the island over the coming days. Chief Inspector, Alex Rollin of the Community Policing Division said, “With Halloween being this coming Sunday, the BPS is mindful there are persons within our community who may use this as an opportunity to commit unlawful acts. Such behaviour will not be tolerated and officers will use all lawful powers to deter and detect anti-social behaviour. 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. Given the current COVID restrictions, we anticipate that Halloween celebrations will be somewhat muted. That notwithstanding, there is expected to be the traditional trick or treating and as such, we urge motorists to slow down to help keep the roads calmer, particularly when traveling through neighbourhoods. There will be more pedestrians on the roads – many of whom will be children dressed in dark coloured costumes. We don’t want a tragedy to occur. 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. Individuals 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.” The Chief Inspector warned, “Avoid activities which may cause injury to persons and/or damage to property. Such acts include but are not limited to throwing eggs and other projectiles. We ask 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.”

Firearms Warrant Executed in Pembroke: One Arrest Made

Friday, October 29,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), can confirm a firearms warrant was executed at a Euclid Avenue, Pembroke, residence at approximately 6:20 p.m., on Thursday 28th October, in connection with an ongoing investigation. No firearms were recovered, however a suspect was taken into custody for questioning. We apologise to area residents for the inconvenience caused during this exercise and thank you for your patience and understanding.