Two Suspects Arrested: Duane Gibbons Murder Investigation

Tuesday, September 28,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can confirm two 18-year-old males have been arrested in connection with the investigation into the murder of 57-year-old Duane Gibbons. You may remember Mr. Gibbons was found with a stab wound to his back, lying in the roadway just east of the Swizzle Inn on the North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish, around 2:15 a.m. on Thursday 16th September, 2021. He was transported via ambulance to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead. Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith who has spearheaded the investigation said, “We wish to thank those members of the public who have so far come forward and provided information to assist with the investigation into this matter and continue to encourage anyone who believes they may have information regarding the murder of Mr. Gibbons to please contact me on 717-0864, or Detective Sergeant Windol Thorpe on 717-0752.” Anyone with information may also call the main police number, 295-0011 or, the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.

Reported Serious Multiple Vehicle Collision in Sandys

Saturday, September 25,2021

Shortly before 11:30 a.m. today, Saturday 25th September, 2021, police along with other emergency responders, attended a serious multiple vehicle collision involving a motorbike, a car and two trucks, outside Maxi Mart supermarket near the junction of Middle Road and Woodlawn Road, Sandys Parish. Details are limited at this time, however, the 23-year-old male motorcycle rider sustained internal injuries while his 20-year-old female passenger sustained a broken leg. They were transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where at last check, they were being attended to for their injuries in the hospital’s Emergency Unit. The drivers of the other two vehicles were not injured. The roadway, which was blocked while the scene was being forensically processed, has now been reopened and we wish to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during the exercise. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.

Reported Serious Three Vehicle Collision, Somerset Road, Sandys [Updated]

Saturday, September 25,2021

Around 5:30pm on Friday 24th September 2021, police and first responders attended a serious three vehicle collision on Somerset Road at the junction with Scaur Lane in Sandys. Early information suggests that a 21 year old female was traveling east on a rental cycle, when she attempted to negotiate a left hand bend and collided with another cycle which was traveling in the same direction and a truck which was traveling in the opposite direction. She was taken to KEMH for what is described as serious injuries to her arm. The rider of the other motorcycle, a 60 year old male, was also taken to hospital for treatment of what is described as minor leg injuries. The 56 year old truck driver was not reported to be injured.  Traffic is currently being diverted onto the Railway Trail using a one way system at Sound View Road for traffic headed east and Lantana Road for traffic headed west, while traffic accident investigators process the scene. Update: The road has reopened.

BPS Thanks Public for Curfew Compliance, Asks for Continued Cooperation

Monday, September 20,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) would like to thank the public for its support in adhering to the new curfew regulations which went into effect this past weekend. Na’imah Astwood, Acting Assistant Commissioner – Operations- said, “We are grateful to the public for working with the police in obeying the new COVID regulations as we all work together to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus and its highly contagious Delta variant. There was only one person found in breach of the current curfew regulations over the weekend. We remain hopeful the community will continue to comply with the new regulations which remain in place until Friday October 1st, 2021. We would also remind individuals to ensure they allow ample time to get to their final destinations before the start of the nightly curfew at 12:30 a.m. During previous curfew restrictions, the Bermuda Police Service observed an increase in high rates of speed by individuals attempting to make it indoors before the start of curfew. This resulted in a number of serious road traffic collisions. A situation we would not like to see repeated during the current curfew restrictions. We have already recorded nine fatal road traffic collisions so far this year and there were several serious collisions over the weekend. While our officers will be out on the roads ensuring compliance, we wish to appeal for individuals to exercise even more caution when using the roads in the hours just before the start of the nightly curfew. Again, we urge that you leave for your final destination in time enough to avoid any untoward occurences. Should any situation arise which requires that you leave your residence during curfew hours please call the main police number, 295-0011 and speak with the on duty Inspector, prior to taking any action. Let’s continue to work together as we see our island though this difficult time."

Social Media Hoax Message Circulating Did Not Come From BPS

Monday, September 20,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is aware of a message purportedly issued by the organisation and now being circulated on social media, warning residents to be aware of would be government workers distributing masks for the prevention of COVID spread. The post suggests these masks contain some form of anaesthetic property which renders individuals incapacitated after they follow the “government workers” instructions that they be tried to ensure proper fit. The post claims that once incapacitated persons are then robbed of valuables by these individuals portraying themselves as government employees. The BPS wishes to inform the public, it has not issued any such notice. Investigations have revealed the notice originated in another jurisdiction and is now being circulated here. Anyone receiving the hoax message, is advised to immediately delete it and not forward it on. Further, any BPS advisories to the public are issued via the local print and broadcast media, as well as via our own social media pages.

Person of Interest Appeal: Zywonde Lema

Monday, September 20,2021

The Bermuda Police Service is once again asking for the public’s assistance in locating 19-year-old Zywonde Lema. Mr. Lema is a light skinned, black male, approximately 5’ 3” in height, slim built, clean shaven and wears his hair in a high top fade. He is known to frequent the Peat Lane, Pembroke area as well as Cedar Hill in Warwick, and Camp Hill, Southampton. Mr. Lema is a person of interest to police. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Acting Detective Inspector, Dean Martin, on 717-2074, via e-mail dmartin@bps.bm or, the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739.

Serious Road Traffic Collision on South Road in Warwick [Updated]

Monday, September 20,2021

Around 7:50 p.m. on Sunday 19th September, 2021, police responded to a reported serious road traffic collision involving two motorcycles on South Shore Road just east of the LITT restaurant. Details are limited at this time, but reports are two motorcycles headed in opposite directions collided near the junction of South Shore Road and Glenwood Park Lane, Warwick. One of the riders, a 46 year old male, reportedly sustained a broken arm and was in and out of consciousness. The second rider, a 21 year old male was reportedly alert and had suffered only minor injuries. Both men were attended to at the scene by EMS personnel and subsequently transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where at last check, they were being attended to for their injuries. The roadway was closed while Traffic Collision Investigators and officers from the Forensic Support Unit processed the scene. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 211 or, the main police number 295-0011. Update: Tuesday, 21st September - At last check, the 46 year old male rider involved in Sunday evening’s serious two motorcycle collision on South Road in Warwick was in critical condition in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, while the other rider involved, a 21 year old male, was being treated at the hospital for a broken arm and awaiting further medical evaluation. Both men are local residents. The investigation regarding the circumstances of this collision continues and witnesses that have not already come forward – or members of the public with relevant information – are once again asked to call 211 or the main police telephone number, 295-0011, as soon as possible.

BPS Role in Current COVID-19 Curfew Enforcement

Friday, September 17,2021

With the announcement of a 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. curfew as part of the PUBLIC HEALTH (COVID-19 EMERGENCY POWERS) (PHASED RE-OPENING) AMENDMENT (NO. 7) REGULATIONS 2021, Na’imah Astwood, the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations - said, “Our aim is to ensure compliance, as we endeavour to work alongside our community to prevent any further spread of the COVID-19 virus and its highly contagious Delta Variant which is now playing havoc with our healthcare system.” Unless exempted or in case of an emergency, persons are not allowed to be away from their home or accommodation during the hours of 12.30am to 5am. Under the new Regulations, an enforcement officer may stop any person to determine whether they are in compliance with or, exempt from the night time curfew. If a person is found to be in contravention of the curfew regulations, “breaking curfew”, an enforcement officer may at any time:

Unresponsive Male Found on Blue Hole Hill, Hamilton Parish [Updated]

Thursday, September 16,2021

At 2:20 a.m. today, Thursday 16th September, 2021, police received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive male lying in the eastbound lane of Blue Hole Hill, just east of the Swizzle Inn Restaurant, Hamilton Parish.

Reminder: Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images is an Offence

Monday, September 13,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is aware of videos and images being circulated on social media showing intimate encounters between locals and advises members of the public that the non-consensual sharing of intimate images is an offence. Residents are reminded that the Criminal Code Amendment (Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2021 became law on 15th June this year and under the Act, persons convicted of relevant offences can receive up to five years in prison. Therefore, should any member of the public receive such content, it is strongly recommended that they delete it and not share it. It should also be noted that circulating such content could additionally constitute an offence under the Telecommunications Act 1986 – with the punishment, on summary conviction, listed as one year in prison or a fine of $2,000 – or both.

Confirmation of Death: 41-Yr-Old Orlando Burch

Monday, September 13,2021

The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 41-year-old Orlando Burch of Warwick Parish, Bermuda’s 9th road fatality of the year.   Mr. Burch passed away following a serious road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a public bus, on Somerset Road near Scaur Lane, Sandys around 4:25pm on Thursday. 9th September, 2021.   The Bermuda Police Service extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of  Mr. Burch.   Preliminary investigations have revealed that Mr. Burch was traveling in an easterly direction on his motorcycle, when he collided with a bus travelling in the opposite direction.    The investigation regarding the circumstances of this road fatality continues.   The Bermuda Police Service continues to appeal for witnesses to, or prior to, this collision to contact Constable Ward of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or alternatively 211.

9th Road Traffic Fatality for 2021 [Updated]

Friday, September 10,2021

Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the ninth road fatality for 2021. The victim, a 41-year-old local man, was rushed to hospital via ambulance after being involved in a collision with a bus on Somerset Road near Scaur Lane, Sandys around 4:25pm on Thursday, 9th September. Despite life-saving efforts, he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Official identification of the deceased is anticipated in due course and a BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to his loved ones at this difficult time. Traffic was diverted for approximately three hours while the scene was processed. We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision, in particular, several passengers who were travelling on the bus involved, to contact Constable Ward of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or 211. The BPS is also aware of several graphic images of the victim from this tragic incident circulating on social media. These images can be extremely insensitive to the loved ones of victims and we ask that members of the public consider the impact that these images have on others before posting them to social media. Update: Monday, 13th September - The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 41-year-old Orlando Burch of Warwick Parish, Bermuda’s 9th road fatality of the year. Mr. Burch passed away following a serious road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a public bus, on Somerset Road near Scaur Lane, Sandys around 4:25pm on Thursday. 9th September, 2021. The Bermuda Police Service extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of  Mr. Burch. Preliminary investigations have revealed that Mr. Burch was traveling in an easterly direction on his motorcycle, when he collided with a bus travelling in the opposite direction. The investigation regarding the circumstances of this road fatality continues. The Bermuda Police Service continues to appeal for witnesses to, or prior to, this collision to contact Constable Ward of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or alternatively 211.

Serious Collision Scaur Hill Sandys [Updated]

Thursday, September 09,2021

Around 4:25pm on Thursday 9th September, 2021, police and first responders were dispatched to a report of a serious two vehicle collision which occurred on Somerset Road at the junction with Scaur Lane, Sandys, involving a bus and a motorcycle. Initial information suggests the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when they were involved in a collision. The motorcycle rider was conveyed to KEMH with what are described as very serious injuries. The bus driver is not reported to be injured. Police are diverting traffic along the Railway Trail between Sound View Road and Lantana Road using a one way system. We are asking the motoring public to be patient while the scene is being processed, as this is expected to take some time. Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to call 211 at the earliest opportunity. Update: Friday, 10th September - Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the ninth road fatality for 2021. The victim, a 41-year-old local man, was rushed to hospital via ambulance after being involved in a collision with a bus on Somerset Road near Scaur Lane, Sandys around 4:25pm on Thursday, 9th September. Despite life-saving efforts, he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Official identification of the deceased is anticipated in due course and a BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to his loved ones at this difficult time. Traffic was diverted for approximately three hours while the scene was processed. We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision, in particular, several passengers who were travelling on the bus involved, to contact Constable Ward of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or 211. The BPS is also aware of several graphic images of the victim from this tragic incident circulating on social media. These images can be extremely insensitive to the loved ones of victims and we ask that members of the public consider the impact that these images have on others before posting them to social media. Update: Monday, 13th September - The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 41-year-old Orlando Burch of Warwick Parish, Bermuda’s 9th road fatality of the year. Mr. Burch passed away following a serious road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a public bus, on Somerset Road near Scaur Lane, Sandys around 4:25pm on Thursday. 9th September, 2021. The Bermuda Police Service extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of  Mr. Burch. Preliminary investigations have revealed that Mr. Burch was traveling in an easterly direction on his motorcycle, when he collided with a bus travelling in the opposite direction. The investigation regarding the circumstances of this road fatality continues. The Bermuda Police Service continues to appeal for witnesses to, or prior to, this collision to contact Constable Ward of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or alternatively 211.

BPS Criminal Records Office & Vetting Office Temporarily Closed [Walk-Ins]

Thursday, September 09,2021

In light of the current increase in positive COVID-19 cases, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) advises the public that the Criminal Records/Vetting Office is closed to ‘walk-in’ customers until further notice. Members of the public in need of a ‘Criminal Record Check’ may still apply online. To do so, please scan and e-mail the following documents to: vetting@bps.bm. 1: Fully completed application form (SF39). 2: Prescribed supporting documentation. 3: Proof of payment. Before submitting these documents, please refer to the application GUIDANCE NOTES link. For further assistance, please contact our office at 247-1750. Documents you requested will be emailed to the email address provided in your application as well as mailed to your stated physical address. Please expect there may be some delays given the current circumstances. We appreciate your kind patience until our normal office operations resume.

Significant Drugs Seizure

Wednesday, September 08,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), can confirm that significant quantities of illegal narcotics were seized during a recent exercise in the east end of the island. The narcotics seized included cannabis, crack cocaine, powder cocaine and heroin. These items had an estimated street value in excess of half a million dollars. A suspect has been arrested in connection with this seizure That suspect has been released on police bail and is expected to appear before the courts in due course. Detective Chief Inspector, Sherwin Joseph of the Special Investigations Department, said, “This seizure has prevented these drugs from being sold on the street and jeopardizing the safety and well-being of our community. It’s no secret the proceeds of drugs sales are used to further criminal activity through the funding of, among other things, the purchasing of illegal firearms and ammunition. We commend the officers involved for their diligence in effecting this seizure and remind the public that they can assist us in putting an end to criminal activity by calling 211 and providing information. You may also use the BPS community reporting portal - https://portal.police.bm. Of course you may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477. Let’s continue to work together to make Bermuda safer.” The BPS Drugs Unit is continuing investigations into this matter. No further information will be provided at this time.

Residents Reminded of Relevant BPS COVID-19 Protocols

Wednesday, September 08,2021

In light of the recent uptick in positive COVID-19 cases, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) advises the public to avoid visiting police stations to make reports unless absolutely necessary. Exceptions include victims of abuse attending a police station to make a report or receive assistance and individuals on bail – who are still required to report to a police station as specified in their bail conditions. In all other cases, residents are encouraged to call 211 or use the BPS community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm – keeping 911 for emergency calls only. If you must make an in person report at a police station, we urge you to please observe proper safety practices in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines.

Eighth Road Fatality for 2021: Flavio Goncalves

Monday, September 06,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 35-year-old Flavio Goncalves, Bermuda’s eighth road fatality for 2021, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Goncalves was one of two motorcyclists involved in a serious collision with a car, which occurred on Middle Road in Devonshire near the junction with Mayflower Drive, around 10:50am Friday, 3rd September. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, which continued as the Smith’s parish resident was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, Mr. Goncalves succumbed to his injuries in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit later Friday afternoon. A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to his loved ones at this difficult time. It has since been confirmed that the other motorcyclist involved in this collision, said to be a 27-year-old Warwick man, was treated at the hospital for his injuries and later discharged. In addition, the car driver involved, said to be a 57-year-old Sandys parish man, was not hurt. Constable DeForest Evans of the Roads Policing Unit is investigating this latest road fatality and any witnesses that have not already come forward are urged to call 717-0860, 211 or e-mail devans@bps.bm.

Rider Injured in Reported Single Vehicle Motorcycle Crash [Updated]

Monday, September 06,2021

Around 5:40pm Sunday, 5th September police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel were dispatched to a reported single vehicle motorcycle crash on Middle Road in Southampton near the junction with Industrial Park Road. It appears that the rider involved, said to be a 59-year-old Devonshire man, was travelling east along Middle Road and struck a wall after a blowout of the motorcycle’s rear tyre. He is understood to have sustained injuries to his face and left hand which may be serious, but were not initially believed to be life threatening. However, an update on the injured rider’s medical condition is anticipated in due course. Traffic flow in the immediate area was reduced to one lane while the scene was processed. Inquiries continue and any witnesses that have not already come forward are encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible. Update: Tuesday, 7th September - At last check the 59-year-old male rider injured in a reported single vehicle motorcycle crash around 5:40pm Sunday, 5th September was recovering in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, listed in stable condition. Inquiries continue and any witnesses that have not already come forward are encouraged to call Constable Daniel Sanna on 211.

Eighth Road Fatality for 2021 [Updated]

Saturday, September 04,2021

Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the eighth road fatality for 2021, said to be a 35-year-old Smith’s parish man, who ultimately succumbed to his injuries in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit late Friday afternoon (3rd September). Official identification of the deceased is anticipated in due course. He was one of two motorcyclists involved in a serious collision with a car, which occurred on Middle Road in Devonshire near the junction with Mayflower Drive, around 10:50am Friday. The medical condition of the other motorcyclist remains unknown and the car driver was not hurt. The Roads Policing Unit is investigating this latest road fatality and any witnesses are now urged to call 247-1788 or 211. Update: Monday, 6th September - The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 35-year-old Flavio Goncalves, Bermuda’s eighth road fatality for 2021, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Goncalves was one of two motorcyclists involved in a serious collision with a car, which occurred on Middle Road in Devonshire near the junction with Mayflower Drive, around 10:50am Friday, 3rd September. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, which continued as the Smith’s parish resident was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, Mr. Goncalves succumbed to his injuries in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit later Friday afternoon. A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to his loved ones at this difficult time. It has since been confirmed that the other motorcyclist involved in this collision, said to be a 27-year-old Warwick man, was treated at the hospital for his injuries and later discharged. In addition, the car driver involved, said to be a 57-year-old Sandys parish man, was not hurt. Constable DeForest Evans of the Roads Policing Unit is investigating this latest road fatality and any witnesses that have not already come forward are urged to call 717-0860, 211 or e-mail devans@bps.bm.

Reported Serious Three Vehicle Collision, Middle Road, Devonshire [Updated]

Friday, September 03,2021

Around 10:50am Friday 3rd September 2021 police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel were dispatched to a reported serious three vehicle collision on Middle Road in Devonshire, near the junction with Mayflower Drive. A car and two motorcycles were involved. Early information suggests that the car was being driven east along Middle Road and both motorcycles were being ridden in the opposite direction.