BPS Criminal Records Office & Vetting Office Has Reopened

Thursday, September 02,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) would like to advise that the Criminal Records Office and Vetting Office has now reopened to walk-in customers. However in light of current COVID-19 safety precautions, we would like to encourage residents in need of a criminal record check to still submit their request via the following process where possible. 1. Visit the official BPS website and fully complete application SF39. 2. Include all supporting documentation. 3. Provide proof of payment. 4. Before submitting all relevant documentation, please refer to the application guidance notes.     a. If the submission is on behalf of a local registered charity, please refer to these guidance notes as well. 5. Finally, please scan and email the completed paperwork to vetting@bps.bm.

Update on Daquan Williams’ Arrest & St. David’s Shooting Inquiry

Wednesday, September 01,2021

Chief Inspector Peter Stableford, Officer in Charge, Serious Crime Unit – “About 9:00pm last evening (Tuesday, 31st August) Daquan Williams handed himself in at Southside Police Station where he was arrested. We recognise the impact and fear these shootings bring to the community and the Bermuda Police Service is dedicated to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice as soon as possible. We will always need the assistance of the public and appreciate the response we have received, without which we cannot help bring the closure needed for so many families and victims. The investigation into last Friday’s shooting in St. David’s continues and we will update further as soon as we are able.”

Reported Serious Collision Middle Road, Smith’s Parish [Updated]

Wednesday, September 01,2021

Around 11:40am today, Wednesday September 1st, police and fellow first responders were dispatched to a reported serious collision at the junction of Middle Road and Jennings Road in Smith’s parish involving a car and a motorcycle. Early information suggests that the motorcycle was being ridden east along Middle Road and the car was being driven out of Jennings Road when the vehicles collided. The male motorcyclist was injured and has been transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment. Apparently he was conscious when he left the scene, but the extent of his injuries is unknown at this time. The female car driver was not hurt. Traffic diversions are currently in effect at Verdmont Road and Harrington Sound Road, while the crash site is being processed. Any witnesses are encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible. Update: Traffic diversions are no longer in effect and the investigation regarding the circumstances of this reported serious collision continues. Also, no further information regarding the medical condition of the injured male motorcyclist is available at this time. Any witnesses are once again encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible. Update: Thursday, 2nd September - At last check the injured rider, said to be a 19 year old Hamilton parish man, was recovering in hospital. He is understood to have a broken collarbone, as well as broken bones in both arms and legs. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. The car driver involved in this collision is said to be a 75 year old Hamilton parish woman. However, the teen motorcyclist was the only person hurt. Inquiries continue and any witnesses that have not already come forward are now asked to contact Constable Zaakira Lee on 211 or via e-mail zlee@bps.bm.

Sudden Death of Ms. Audrey Astwood

Wednesday, September 01,2021

The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 68 year old Audrey Astwood of Paget Parish. Ms. Astwood was found in an unresponsive state at the Queen Elizabeth Park around 2:15pm on Tuesday 24th of August 2021. Police and other first responders were dispatched to the scene, however on arrival, medical personnel determined that there were no signs of life. Death was later certified at the scene by a doctor. The BPS can also confirm that Ms. Astwood lost control of her motorcycle and collided with parked vehicles, a few hours prior to her passing. However, the collision is not believed to be connected to her death. The Bermuda Police Service would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Astwood during this difficult time.

St. David's Shooting Update: Two Suspects in Custody, Victim Recovering [Updated]

Monday, August 30,2021

Chief Inspector Peter Stableford, Officer in Charge, Serious Crime Unit – “About 9:00pm last evening (Tuesday, 31st August) Daquan Williams handed himself in at Southside Police Station where he was arrested. We recognise the impact and fear these shootings bring to the community and the Bermuda Police Service is dedicated to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice as soon as possible. We will always need the assistance of the public and appreciate the response we have received, without which we cannot help bring the closure needed for so many families and victims. The investigation into last Friday’s shooting in St. David’s continues and we will update further as soon as we are able.”

BPS Criminal Records Office & Vetting Office Temporarily Closed [Updated]

Monday, August 30,2021

Update: Thursday, 2nd September - The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) would like to advise that the Criminal Records Office and Vetting Office has now reopened to walk-in customers. However in light of current COVID-19 safety precautions, we would like to encourage residents in need of a criminal record check to still submit their request via the following process where possible. 1. Visit the official BPS website and fully complete application SF39. 2. Include all supporting documentation. 3. Provide proof of payment. 4. Before submitting all relevant documentation, please refer to the application guidance notes.     a. If the submission is on behalf of a local registered charity, please refer to these guidance notes as well. 5. Finally, please scan and email the completed paperwork to vetting@bps.bm.

Shooting in St George's Parish

Sunday, August 29,2021

Around 5:35pm on 27th August Police and first responders attended Orange Hole Road, St David’s to a report of a shooting. On arrival, it was ascertained that a 22 yr old St. George’s man had been shot multiple times. He was conveyed to KEMH for treatment of his injuries and the status of his condition is not known at this time. This incident took place in broad daylight and there would have been residents about the area. Anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area, is encouraged to contact police on 211 or the confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477.

Thefts From Boats

Wednesday, August 25,2021

"The Bermuda Police Service along with the Bermuda Coast Guard, are seeking the assistance of the public following a recent spate of thefts from boats. The public are asked to report any persons seen acting suspiciously around bays and in the vicinity of moored boats and report the sale of second hand marine equipment that appears to be of a suspicious nature. It should be noted that it is an offence to purchase stolen property. The location of the thefts have been island wide however, the Paget, Red Hole and Foot of the Lane areas have been the most targeted areas. Boat owners are encouraged to remove valuable items from their boat and take precautions where possible to secure removable items. Additionally, punts should be secured to a permanent object with a good quality chain and padlock.  It would also be of assistance to the Police if owners would take a picture of their boat and equipment and note serial numbers and identifying marks to aid in their recovery in the event that property is stolen. Anyone with information regarding stolen boats or marine equipment, is asked to contact Acting Sgt. Linnell Williams of the Bermuda Coast Guard on 294-0610 or 211.  Anonymous information can also be passed through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-623-8477."

Sudden Death Queen Elizabeth Park

Wednesday, August 25,2021

Around 2:15pm on 24th August, 2021, police and other first responders were dispatched to a report of an unresponsive, 68 year old female, in the Queen Elizabeth Park, City of Hamilton. On arrival, medical personnel determined that there were no signs of life present and death was certified at the scene by the Police Medical Doctor.  The scene was cordoned off by police while it was processed by the Forensic Support Unit.  While enquiries into this sudden death continue, foul play is not suspected at this time. No further information regarding this matter will be given until the next of kin have been informed.

Person of Interest Appeal

Friday, August 20,2021

The Bermuda Police Service is seeking 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.

Witness Appeal: Two Motorcycle Collision Near Collector’s Hill

Friday, August 06,2021

Around 5:50pm Thursday, 5th August 2021 police officers attended a reported two motorcycle collision on South Road in Smith’s parish near Collector’s Hill. It appears that the rider of a motorcycle travelling east along South Road attempted to turn in to a parking lot near Collector’s Hill Apothecary and was struck from behind by the rider of another motorcycle, causing both vehicles to fall to the ground. Apparently, the unknown male rider of the second motorcycle spoke briefly to the female rider of the first motorcycle, before riding off.

Social Media Hoax

Thursday, August 05,2021

The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a social media post falsely claiming the island will be under a stay at home order from Friday August 6th, to Friday September 2nd due to the spread of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. The matter is now under police investigation and we urge that should you receive the misleading message, you delete it and not forward it on. Again, the information posted is false and you are encouraged to visit www.gov.bm for the latest health updates.

Seventh Road Fatality for 2021: 25-Year-Old Keija Simmons

Thursday, August 05,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 25-year-old Keija Simmons, Bermuda’s seventh road fatality for 2021, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Simmons was seriously injured in a single vehicle motorcycle crash at the top of Scaur Hill on Somerset Road in Sandys parish shortly after midnight Sunday, 1st August 2021. Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, which continued as he was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, Mr. Simmons later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit on Tuesday, 3rd August. A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to his loved ones at this time. Constable Dennis Joell is continuing to investigate the circumstances of this fatal collision and members of the public with any relevant information are once again asked to call 717-2221, 211 or the main police number 295-0011. Constable Joell can also be reached via his e-mail djoell@bps.bm.

Two Men Arrested After Altercation Outside Lindo's in Devonshire

Wednesday, August 04,2021

Shortly after 5:00 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday 3rd August, police responded to reports of two males fighting in the vicinity of Lindo’s supermarket Devonshire. One man was reported to be wielding a machete whilst the other was said to be armed with a helmet. Both men were arrested near the scene and a machete seized. However, there were no reported injuries. Police are asking for anyone with information on this incident to please call 211 or the main police number 295-0011.

Jahkobi Smith Murder Witness Appeal

Wednesday, August 04,2021

At around 7:15pm on Saturday 29th July, 2017, Jahkobi Smith was fatally stabbed after he was involved in an altercation that took place at the West End Sailboat Club, Sandys. At that time, there was a wake being held for the late Jahcari Francis. Police and EMTs rendered assistance to Mr. Smith at the scene; however, he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. On this the fourth anniversary of his death, the Bermuda Police Service is once again appealing for any witnesses to please come forward to help us solve this crime and bring closure to the family of Mr. Smith. We would like to speak with anyone who may have seen something or heard something, particularly, if you were at the West End Sailboat Club or in the general vicinity, around the time of the incident. Also, anyone knowing the movements of Jahkobi Smith prior to this incident, is urged to contact Acting Detective Inspector Dean Martin of the Serious Crime Unit on 717-2074 / 247-1739. You can also provide information to us by contacting the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline anonymously on 800-8477. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court. Mr. Martin said, “There is someone out there who knows the person or persons responsible for Mr. Smith’s death. We urge you to come forward and speak with us. You have the option of remaining anonymous by using the Crime Stoppers number. Remember, that with the assistance of the public we have been able to solve a number of recent serious crimes or have been provided information which has allowed us to make significant progress with investigations into historical crimes. Most recently, the arrest of an accused sex offender.  If you have any information on the murder of Jahkobi Smith, please, reach out to us.”

Bail Conditions Reminder

Wednesday, August 04,2021

The Bermuda Police Service wishes to remind individuals who have bail conditions to report and sign in at a police station, are required to adhere to that. There has been an increase in the number of individuals whom have not been reporting to the police station to sign in as instructed. Failure to do so may be considered a breach of bail conditions and result in an arrest and further prosecution.

Seventh Road Fatality of 2021

Tuesday, August 03,2021

A 25-year-old man has succumbed to injuries sustained in a single vehicle motorcycle crash. The collision occurred on Scaur Hill, Somerset Road, Somerset, shortly after midnight on Sunday 1st August 2021. Officers were at the time conducting laser checks in the area of the Port Royal Fire Station when they clocked a motorcycle driven by a male at 79KMH, traveling west. Officers turned on their emergency lights and followed at a distance, due to the speed at which the rider was travelling. On arrival at the top of Scaur Hill, they observed the rider appeared to lose control and fell off the bike, which was subsequently found to have been stolen. The injured man was transported via ambulance for treatment to his injuries and warded in the Intensive Care Unit, at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where sadly, he this morning succumbed to his injuries. Anyone with information on the collision which led to him being in hospital, is asked to call PC Dennis Joell on 717-2221, the main police number, 295-0011 or, 211. This marks the island’s seventh road fatality so far this year.

Court Street Shooting: Two Men Injured, Investigation Underway [Updated]

Monday, August 02,2021

Chief Inspector Peter Stableford (Officer in Charge, Serious Crime Unit) – “Good afternoon everyone. It’s unfortunate again that eight days later, a second shooting here on Court Street. This one has happened at 1:45pm today (Monday, 2nd August). Two persons have been injured. They are being treated for their injuries at the hospital at the moment. The hospital is in lockdown. Again, this is the very early stages of this. We’re looking at every option as to what the cause and motives are. I know everyone likes to speculate as to whether it’s gang related. We just don’t know at this time, but we’re not ruling anything out. The only information I have at the moment is that it was two persons in dark clothing on a motorcycle; they’ve come along Tills Hill, shot at two males sat on the wall at the side of the road and driven off again. Anyone that has any information, again – I made this appeal last week – people just aren’t coming forward. People see what happens, but they’re not speaking with us. We need that assistance and the public’s help to target these individuals and to bring these individuals to justice.

Acting Commissioner Simons Addresses Recent Assaults on Police Officers

Monday, August 02,2021

The return of the Cup Match Classic and the festive mood this brings was a welcomed addition to the summer calendar. Things went pretty smoothly at the game. In addition to officers arresting a man carrying a suspected firearm (not part of the Somerset motorcade), other incidents over the long holiday weekend required a police response. Troublingly, the safety of our officers was threatened as they were assaulted by members of the public whilst bravely performing their duty. This meant officers had to take protective measures for their safety and the safety of others.

Witness Appeal After Reported Stabbing Incident at John Smith's Bay

Sunday, August 01,2021

Shortly before 1:00 a.m. on Sunday 1st August, 2021, police attended John Smith’s Bay following reports of a stabbing incident.  It appears several individuals had earlier gathered at that location for a birthday celebration. However, it is understood an altercation broke out around 12:30 a.m. and resulted in a twenty-year-old male and two nineteen-year-old females, being injured with what was believed to be a bladed article. They were each conveyed via private vehicle to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where they were attended to for their injuries which were deemed to be non-life threatening.  At last check, the male victim along with one of the female victims were discharged, while the other female victim remained hospitalised. Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or, may have cell phone footage of the incident, to please contact 211, the Criminal Investigation Department at 247-1744, or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.