Renewed Road Traffic Advisory

Thursday, October 28,2021

The BPS has become concerned with the recent uptick in serious injury collision over the course of the last week and includes a fatality last evening. Addressing the situation, Chief Inspector, Robert Cardwell, who heads up the Bermuda Police Service Tactical Support Unit, stated, “Time and time again, our investigations reveal that bad decision making including driving whilst impaired by alcohol or drug and inattention as the primary causes behind these collisions. Impaired driving is heavily frowned upon in the community.  It is inevitable as we have seen, that impaired driving will lead to a collision of some kind. Knowingly driving whilst impaired with the heightened risk of taking a life or causing a permanent life changing injury to someone, is incomprehensible. Driving whilst impaired puts you and everyone else at risk. The pubic are reminded that consuming alcohol – any amount whilst also under the influence of prescribed or over the counter medication such as cold and flu medicine, can elevate levels of impairment. If you are out and are consuming alcohol have an exit plan. The following can negatively impact your ability to operate a vehicle.

13th Road Fatality for 2021: Tilhan Chitrananda

Thursday, October 28,2021

The Bermuda Police Service can confirm the 30-year-old man transported to hospital in an unresponsive state following a serious road traffic collision yesterday, Wednesday 27th October, has succumbed to his injuries. Tilhan Chitrananda, a Sri Lankan national, was the driver of one of the motorcars involved in a two vehicle collision on the North Shore Road near the junction with Tamarisk Hill, Smith’s at approximately 4:10 p.m. He became pinned under his vehicle after it flipped on its side. Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service personnel assisted with the effort to extricate Mr. Chitaranda, who was transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.   Mr. Chitaranda’s passing marks the 13th road fatality for the year so far. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed and is assisting his family at this time. The Bermuda Police Service extends its condolences.

Two Car Collision on North Shore Road: 1 Driver Seriously Injured [Updated]

Wednesday, October 27,2021

At approximately 4:10 p.m. today, Wednesday 27th October, 2021, police and other first responders attended a road traffic collision involving two motorcars on the North Shore Road, near the junction with Tamarisk Hill, Smith's. The vehicles were headed in opposite directions when they collided. The car in headed wast flipped onto the passenger side, with the driver, a 30-year-old male trapped underneath. He was attended to at the scene by EMS staff for injuries which were described as life threatening and subsequently transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Hospital, in an unresponsive state. The female driver of the other car which was headed west complained of chest pains. Though not considered life-threatening, the full extent of her injuries remain unknown at this time. As a result of this collision eastbound traffic was being diverted over Store Hill, as the roadway just east of that point was closed, while the collision scene was being processed. This has resulted in major traffic delays for commuters headed east. We ask for your patience and understanding while we work to have the roadway reopened. Update - Thursday, 28th October: 13th road fatality for 2021 identified.

Four Shot at Robin Hood Pub & Restaurant: Investigation Underway [Updated]

Wednesday, October 27,2021

Around 6:00 p.m. today, Tuesday 26th October, 2021, Police and EMS staff responded to reports of a firearms incident at the Robin Hood Pub and Restaurant on Richmond Road, Pembroke. Reports are that unknown individuals entered the premises and discharged several shots in the direction of a group of men who were in the establishment. Four persons sustained gunshot wounds. Three of the injured parties were transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, while the fourth victim was taken to hospital in a private vehicle. This matter is being treated as a critical incident with Assistant Commissioner Daniels as the Gold Commander and a team of detectives is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Peter Stableford of the Serious Crime Division. There were several individuals inside the pub and restaurant at the time of the incident and the investigators are interested in speaking with anyone with information no matter how insignificant they may think it to be. Acting Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons condemned this senseless act of violence, “This heinous act carried out by individuals who it would seem have no regard for life or even the safety and wellbeing of others for that matter, has left our community shaken. This is not who we are as Bermudians. The public can expect to see increased policing around reassurance patrols in direct response to this incident. This is being addressed at the highest level in terms of our response and commitment of resources around that. There were rumours circulating that a police officer was killed in this attack. I can categorically state, there is no truth to these claims.” Meantime, we are again appealing for anyone with any information at all on this incident, to please call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477. Update - Wednesday, 27th October: Robin Hood shooting now murder investigation: 2 killed, 2 injured.

WhatsApp Message Allegations About a Person of Interest Not From BPS

Tuesday, October 26,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), has been alerted to a WhatsApp message being circulated which contains allegations about a person of interest  to police. We wish to advise members of the public to not circulate the message should you receive it and instead, immediately delete it. Please be aware information regarding ongoing investigations involving persons of interest, should not be considered accurate or legitimate, unless that information is contained in an official BPS release.

Update on Recent Serious Collisions

Wednesday, October 20,2021

The 26-year-old female motorcyclist injured in a serious road traffic collision which occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. on Saturday 16th October, 2021, is now recovering on a general ward at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. The incident involving a private car and a motorbike, occurred near the junction of North Shore Road and Studio Lane, Hamilton Parish, just east of Bethel A.M.E church. Early indications are the motorcycle rider, a 26-year-old female guest worker, was struck by the car which was traveling in an easterly direction along North Shore Road. The motorcar driver, a 26-year-old male and his 25-year-old female companion were unhurt in the collision. Meanwhile the 58-year-old male pedal cyclist, a guest worker, who suffered a head injury in that collision which occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday 17th October, 2021, on Middle Road, Flatts, remains warded in the Intensive Care Unit at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, listed in critical condition. He, was riding in an easterly direction on Middle Road near the Whitney Institute, when he reportedly veered into the opposite lane and collided with a car traveling west. The female motorcar driver was not hurt in the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed or may have information on either of these incidents is asked to call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.

Suspect Arrested in Connection With Smith's Parish Aggravated Burglary

Wednesday, October 20,2021

A 36-year-old suspect has been arrested in relation to the aggravated burglary & sexual assault at a Smith’s Parish residence yesterday, Tuesday

Investigation Underway After Aggravated Burglary at Smith's Parish Home [Updated]

Tuesday, October 19,2021

Shortly after noon today, Tuesday 19th October 2021, police officers responded to a 911 call of an aggravated burglary at a Smith's Parish residence. The occupants who were at home at the time of the incident, reported that they were held at knifepoint Of tremendous concern, a sexual assault is alleged to have taken place by the perpetrators. The suspects are described as being black males in their early twenties, wearing all black clothing, and riding a motorcycle. It is believed the suspects also made off with property from the residence. Detectives have formed a major investigation team, led by Detective Chief Inspector Sherwin Joseph as the senior investigating officer. Nicholas Pedro, Acting Assistant Commissioner – Crime, asserted, “The Bermuda Police Service has declared this a Critical Incident. We are extremely concerned about this incident, and believe someone knows who committed this heinous act. We will work tirelessly to identify the suspects & bring them to justice – but we also need the public’s help. We need people to step forward to prevent this from happening again.” Please call 211 or 911 if you have any information relating to this event. Alternatively, you may also contact Crime Stoppers on 800-8477. Update: Wednesday, 20th October - Suspect arrested in connection with Smith's parish aggravataed burglary.

Fraud Advisory: Investment & Gift Card Scams

Tuesday, October 19,2021

The Bermuda Police Service is alerting the public about two forms of online fraud currently circulating within the community. One form involves persons being contacted on social media platforms such as Instagram, by individuals they believe to be family members or friends. The “family/friend” would then pitch an investment opportunity, promising a same day return on their initial investment, which is never received. Persons have lost substantial amounts of money as a result. In the second type of fraud, persons are being contacted via email, again by others purporting to be a family member or friend. The unsuspecting individual is asked to purchase Apple and or PlayStation cards. They are then asked to provide the card codes to the party who sent the initial email. Persons who have purchased these cards have later contacted, by other means, the family member or friend whom they were led to believe requested they purchase these cards, only to discover no such request was made by them. The following are red flags associated with these two forms of online fraud:

Pedal Cycle & Car Collide: Rider's Condition Listed as Critical in ICU [Updated]

Monday, October 18,2021

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on Sunday 17th October, 2021, police and other emergency services responded to a report of a serious road traffic collision involving a pedal cyclist and a motorcar on Middle Road, Flatts. The pedal cyclist, a 58 year old male, was riding in an easterly direction on Middle Road near the Whitney Institute, when he reportedly veered into the opposite lane and collided with a car traveling west. He fell onto the roadway, sustained a head injury and was unresponsive. The victim was subsequently revived at the scene by EMTs and transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. The female motorcar driver was not hurt in the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed or may have information on this incident, is asked to call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011. Update: Wednesday, 20th October - Critically injured pedal cyclist remains in ICU.

Female Motorcyclist Suffers Serious Leg Injury After Car Strikes Her [Updated]

Sunday, October 17,2021

At approximately 11:20 p.m. on Saturday 16th October, 2021, police and other first responders were despatched to a serious two vehicle road traffic collision involving a private car and a motorbike, near the junction of North Shore Road and Studio Lane, Hamilton Parish, just east of Bethel A.M.E church. Early indications are the motorcycle rider, a 26-year-old female guest worker, was struck by the car which was traveling in an easterly direction along North Shore Road. She sustained a serious leg injury and was attended to by a physician who resides nearby, until the arrival of EMTs, who transported her via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where at last check, she was being attended to for her injuries, which were described as non life threatening. The motorcar driver, a 26-year-old male and his 25-year-old female companion were unhurt in the collision, which left the victim's motorbike a write-off and the car, with extensive front end damage. The motorcar driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The roadway was cordoned off and traffic diverted onto the nearby Railway Trail, as the collision scene was forensically processed. Anyone who may have witnessed, or has any information on this incident, is asked to call 211, or the main police number, 295-0011. Update: Wednesday, 20th October - Seriously injured female motorcyclist now recovering on a general ward at the hospital.

Road Traffic Advisory: Khyber Pass, St. George

Thursday, October 14,2021

The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), wishes to remind the public that Khyber Pass, St. George, is a one-way street, headed north. In recent times, motorists have been traveling south along that roadway, in apparent attempts to avoid the traffic lights installed on Mullet Bay Road and Duke of York Street, to control traffic flow during ongoing roadworks or, to access the paths on the nearby golf course. Vehicles are not allowed to turn right from Suffering Lane onto Khyber Pass at the roundabout at that intersection. There are clearly posted signs indicating Khyber Pass is in fact one way, as well as the direction in which traffic must flow along that route. The BPS is urging motorists to obey those signs as they travel the area in order to prevent any road traffic collisions, with a number of near misses having already been reported.

Car Reported Over Cliff at Ducking Stool Park: Inquiries Continue

Thursday, October 07,2021

Around 6:50 a.m. today, Thursday 7th October 2021, police received a report that a car had gone over a cliff at Ducking Stool Park, near the roundabout at the junction of Black Watch Pass and North Shore Road, Pembroke. Upon arrival at the scene of the reported incident, officers found a vehicle lodged on the rocks above the water just west of the parking area at Ducking Stool Park, with the engine running but no one inside. Searches carried out both on the water and on land did not turn up anyone injured at the scene and there have been no reports of anyone visiting King Edward VII Memorial Hospital seeking treatment as a result of this incident. The Bermuda Police Service is asking anyone with information on this matter or, who may have been in the area of Black Watch Pass between 6:30 a.m. and 6:50 a.m. today, to please call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.

Twelfth Road Fatality for 2021: Allen Trott

Wednesday, October 06,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 46-year-old Allen Trott, Bermuda’s 12th road fatality for 2021, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Trott was seriously hurt in a two-motorcycle collision, which occurred on South Road in Warwick, near the junction with Dunscombe Road, around 7:50pm Sunday, 19th September 2021. Both injured riders were transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for further medical care following the collision. The other rider involved, said to be a 21 year old Pembroke man, was treated at the hospital for a broken arm. Sadly, Mr. Trott ultimately succumbed to his injuries in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit on Thursday, 30th September. The investigation continues regarding this latest fatal collision and witnesses that have not already come forward – or members of the public with any relevant information – are now urged to call the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788, or 211, as soon as possible.

Operation Vega Update & 2021 Road Traffic Fatalities Clarification

Wednesday, October 06,2021

Operation Vega Update Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, Tactical Support Division – “Operation Vega continues to be a success. In the period of Operation Vega – 13 weeks – 2,082 moving violation tickets have been issued for offences ranging from driving without due care and attention, unfastened helmet, unlicensed/uninsured vehicles, disobeying traffic signs and speeding. In the last week, speeding offences reported ranged between 55kph and 91kph. The number of tickets issued is up dramatically when compared to the same period in previous years. The intents of Operation Vega are to calm the roads and reduce collisions. Operation Vega is not solely about issuing tickets. It is equally about effective visibility of our patrols. Being in the right place at the right time so that our visibility brings calm, slows things down and impacts driving behaviour. In the third quarter of this year – the most recent period of Operation Vega – we have seen collision numbers reduced in all categories but fatalities. Road traffic fatalities currently stand at 12, a sharp increase compared to previous years. Serious injury collisions for the first three quarters of 2021 are 71, down from 87 in the same three quarters in 2020. Slight injury collisions are down to 397, compared to 456 in the first three quarters of 2020. Damage only collisions are at 403, down from 567 in the first three quarters of 2020. Our collective message to the public continues to be “slow down”, drive/ride carefully and cautiously and obey traffic signals and signs. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.” 2021 Road Traffic Fatalities Clarification Editor’s note: The below clarification is from a police spokesperson, regarding the number of road fatalities recorded so far this year. The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can confirm that the number of road fatalities for the year so far is 12, as outlined in this corrected list.

Three Murder Suspects Charged in Court Thanks to Public Assistance

Wednesday, October 06,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has in the last week, successfully had three individuals charged before the courts in connection with two recent murders. Two men were charged with the murder of Duane Gibbons, who died after being found with a stab wound lying in the roadway near Blue Hole Hill, Hamilton Parish in the early hours of Thursday 16th September, 2021 – and one man was charged with the murder of Joshua Rowse, who died having sustained multiple stab wounds in an attack which occurred on Sunday 14th June, 2020, outside the Rubis Service Station on South Road, Warwick. Antoine Daniels, Assistant Commissioner – Crime, said, “That suspects have been charged before the courts in relation to these two brutal crimes, is testament to the commitment to duty and provision of justice of our officers. The detectives investigating these matters and their colleagues who provided support, have been diligent in their efforts to find those believed responsible for these acts of criminality which have left two families mourning the loss of loved ones and a community understandably concerned about the level of violence involved in these two incidents. The BPS often calls on the assistance of the public in our ongoing efforts to solve crime. Your assistance through providing information enabled the investigations into these two incidents to progress and achieve success. While we now await the outcome of the judicial process in relation to these matters, the BPS takes this opportunity to say, thank you members of the public. However, these investigations are still live and we ask that you continue to come forward with any information at all you might have in relation to these two murders. Again, we urge you to continue to partner with your Bermuda Police Service so that together we can successfully do the work needed to make our island home safer.”

Motorcyclist in ICU After Frog Lane Crash, Investigation Ongoing

Tuesday, October 05,2021

Around 10:25pm Thursday, 30th September 2021 police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel were dispatched to a reported serious single vehicle motorcycle crash on Frog Lane in Devonshire, near the junction with Palmetto Road.  The rider involved, said to be a 28 year old Smith’s parish man, was understood to be traveling north along Frog Lane when he crashed into the corner of the triangular traffic island just prior to the junction and then struck the sidewalk on Palmetto Road. The 28-year-old man was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment of serious injuries, including head trauma. It was later confirmed that he had been admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition. As part of this crash investigation, the scene was processed by a police Traffic Collision Investigator, as well as a detective from the Forensic Support Unit. The most recent medical update available indicated that the injured rider’s condition in the ICU had stabilised. Witnesses or members of the public with any information regarding this crash are encouraged to contact Constable Shem Obeius on 211, or e-mail sobeius@bps.bm, as soon as possible.

Resignation of Constable Barbi Bishop

Tuesday, October 05,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can confirm that following the outcome of the Constitutional matter involving P.C. Barbi Bishop, P.C. Bishop tendered her resignation from the Service. The BPS has accepted her resignation with her last working day being the 27th September.

Resignation of Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley

Saturday, October 02,2021

The Bermuda Police Service wishes to thank former Commissioner Corbishley for his service. We also assure the public that the BPS continues to achieve its mission of Making Bermuda Safer, under the guidance of Acting Commissioner, Darrin Simons and his leadership team.  There will not be any disruption in service to the community, while we await the appointment of the next Commissioner.

One Year Anniversary: Renewed Garrina Cann Murder Appeal

Wednesday, September 29,2021

Today, Wednesday September 29th, 2021 marks the one-year anniversary of the brutal murder of Ms. Garrina Cann. Members of the public will recall that on Tuesday 29th September, 2020, Ms. Cann was celebrating a birthday with several friends on the porch of her Sunset Pass, Pembroke residence when a gunman approached on foot and fired multiple shots at Ms. Cann, who lost her life in front of her friends & family. Lead investigator, Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith said, “We are confident there are persons in this community who know something about this shocking murder. We urge you to come forward and help us catch her killers and bring them to justice. Rest assured any information provided, will be treated with the strictest confidence.” If you know something, please make contact with Senior Investigative Officers, Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro on 717-0854 or, Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith on 717-0864. Alternatively, you may contact Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 or, https://www.crimestoppers.bm/2021/07/27/do-you-have-information/