Firearm Seized & Suspect Arrested

Sunday, August 01,2021

At approximately 6:00 pm on Saturday 31st July 2021, police officers were regulating the flow of traffic during the Somerset Cricket Club celebratory motorcade. As the motorcade arrived at the St. George’s Cricket Club, police officers' attention was drawn to a man riding a motorcycle in an erratic manner on Wellington Slip Road, St. George. Officers stopped the man and issued him various moving violation tickets. They attempted to arrest him for an outstanding warrant. However, he violently resisted and the officers deployed their Taser to subdue him. During a subsequent search, the suspect was found to be in possession of a firearm. Officers seized the firearm for forensic examination and the suspect was taken into police custody. Police are aware that a number of individuals recorded the incident on their mobile phones. We are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward and provide any footage obtained. We ask that anyone with information, contact Senior Investigating Officer, Acting Inspector, Jason Smith on 717-0864.

Noise Complaints Received Regarding Bernard Park Event

Saturday, July 31,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has received a number of noise complaints as a result of the volume level of music played during an event which took place at Bernard Park in the early hours of this morning. The organisers co-operated with police following requests to turn down the music in light of those complaints from nearby residents. A noise permit was granted, as is required for events of this nature. That notwithstanding, the BPS will ensure that music at such events is played at a volume level which will allow for the enjoyment of participants, but not adversely affect the peace and quiet of surrounding neighbourhoods. Particularly during the early morning hours.

Acting Commissioner's Post Cup Match Statement

Saturday, July 31,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) would like to congratulate the Somerset Cricket Club, on winning Cup Match 2021 and retaining the coveted cup following an exciting and entertaining game at the Wellington Oval in St George's. Kudos to Neil Paynter and the management of the St. George's Cricket Club for putting on the event and helping return the island to some measure of normalcy in the face of difficult circumstances created by continued efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Acting Police Commissioner Darrin Simons said, “The partnership between the BPS and the two clubs worked to ensure this year’s Cup Match was a success, particularly from a public order perspective. There were no incidents requiring police involvement at the grounds and we would like to also thank the spectators for their cooperation during the two day event. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Emancipation day, Mary Prince day along with old Cup Match rivalries, in an atmosphere of safety and enjoyment.”

Witness Appeal After Assault at Darrell's Wharf

Friday, July 30,2021

Around 1:20 am today, Thursday 29 July 2021, police officers were on patrol in the area of Darrell's Wharf, Harbour Road, Warwick, when they came upon a large crowd of individuals watching a fight involving a 27-year-old male and a 23-year-old male. Officers intervened, arrested the 23-year-old and escorted him to their nearby vehicle. At that point, the 27-year-old man began fighting with other persons at the location. One of the officers attempted to arrest him, but he violently resisted while the crowd threatened and closed in on the officer. The officer’s partner went to his colleague’s assistance. The 27-year-old was tasered and both officers detained him while trying to keep the upset onlookers at bay. Other officers arrived on scene and helped in calming the crowd and searching for the 23-year-old who managed to escape during the arrest of the second man. The 23-year-old was subsequently arrested at a Paget residence. The tasered man sustained minor scrapes. One officer sustained minor hand injuries during the incident that was recorded on police body worn cameras.

Update: Two Men Shot & Injured Sunday Night Discharged From Hospital

Monday, July 26,2021

Police can confirm two 19-year-old males from Devonshire, sustained non-life threatening injuries as a result of a shooting which occurred around 11:20pm on Sunday 25th July, 2021, on Court Street, Pembroke. Both men were attended to for their injuries at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and have since been released. Police are aware there were a number of persons in the area of Court Street around the time of the shooting. We urge them to please come forward and assist with the investigation into this incident by calling the independent, confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477, the Serious Crime Unit at 247-1739, or the police line 211.

Cup Match 2021 Policing Plan

Monday, July 26,2021

Superintendent Sean Field-Lament – “The Bermuda Police Service is excited to be once again working with our community and partner agencies to ensure a safe and peaceful Cup Match holiday long weekend. We are appealing to the general public to assist us in achieving this goal. Despite the relatively short notice, Cup Match 2021 marks the second year that a Joint Agency Command Committee has collaborated and developed a robust operational plan for the 118th cricket classic. As a reminder, the Joint Agency Command Committee members include representatives from St. George’s Cricket Club (SGCC), the Ministry of National Security, Bermuda Police Service (BPS), Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, Royal Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Hospitals Board, Department of Health (Environmental Health Section), Department of Planning, St. John Ambulance and SAS Protection Services. As per previous years, all key emergency services and committee members will be at the St. George’s Cricket Club grounds on both days of the event, co-located in the Joint Agency Command Centre (JACC), which will allow for proper risk assessments, collective resourcing and collaborative problem solving to incidents arising. As it relates to the BPS, we will have a combination of resources on duty consisting of BPS staff, officers, Reserves and members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment. The policing plans will incorporate activities centred at the SGCC and the parks/beaches throughout the island. SGCC is responsible for the running of the cricket match and have security measures in place, which the BPS will be supporting. There is a new on-line ticket system being used this year. Patrons are reminded that they must possess a pre-purchased (on-line) ticket plus a safe key to gain entry. There will be no ticket sales at the gates – as such, do not show up looking for tickets or entry, without tickets. In addition, it is important to note that the BPS has once again asked the Minster of Public Works to close Wellington Slip Road to all non-resident vehicular traffic between 9:00am and 9:00pm on both days of Cup Match. This is a public safety measure to ensure free and unfettered access to SGCC by emergency vehicles. Cricket match parking is limited to designated parking areas. They are as follows:

Two Men Shot & Injured on Court Street: Investigation Underway [Updated]

Monday, July 26,2021

Around 11:20 last night, Sunday 25th July, police responded to reports of several gunshots fired in the Court Street area Pembroke. Upon arrival officers were informed that two men had been shot near the Spinning Wheel night club. Both victims were transported via private vehicles to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where at last check, they were receiving treatment for their injuries, the extent of which are unknown at this time. Court Street, between Elliott and Dundonald Streets, remained cordoned off as the scene was forensically processed. Chief Inspector Arthur Glasford said, “To think that earlier today there was an expression of real community spirit with this same area set up as a street market with people from not just Pembroke, but other areas as well, visiting to patronise the various vendors and spend quality time with their families. Now we’re dealing with this senseless act of violence.” Mr. Glasford urged anyone with information on this incident to use one of the many options available to the public for providing information which could assist in the arrest of those responsible for this incident. You can provide that information by calling 211, the main police number 295-0011, the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739 or, the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.

BPS Aware of Harassment Concern at Horseshoe Bay Beach

Saturday, July 24,2021

The Bermuda Police Service is aware of concern being expressed on social media, about individuals allegedly being harassed by older males at Horseshoe Bay Beach and is looking into the matter. We urge anyone who may have been approached or, who may have information on such incidents to please contact 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.

Unlawful Assault

Friday, July 23,2021

At 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, 22-Jul-2021, police attended the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in response to a report of unlawful wounding. Officers spoke with the victim, a 56-year-old-male who stated he was coming from Somerset heading east on Middle Road, when a motorcycle struck his van from behind and the rider did not stop. As they approached the temporary traffic lights near the junction of St. Mary’s Road and Middle Road Warwick, the vehicle driven by the 56-year-old male came into contact with the same motorcycle, which ended up in the bus layby just west of St. Mary’s Road. The male motorcycle rider got off the bike and both men got into a fight, during which the 56-year-old was allegedly stabbed multiple times about the body with a bladed article. The suspect fled the scene on foot. The victim was able to drive himself to hospital where he was attended to for his injuries which were not considered to be life threatening. The suspect is said to be a black male in his early 20s and approximately 5’ 6” in height. At the time of the incident he was dressed in a grey shirt with a floral design and black pants. He also wore a tan hat under his motorcycle helmet.

Renewed Witness Appeal: Darrell's Wharf Attempted Murder

Thursday, July 22,2021

As the investigation continues into that brazen shooting incident which occurred at Darrell’s Wharf around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday 16th June, 2021 and left a 56-year-old man with multiple gunshot injuries, Police today released an image of the two suspects believed responsible for this senseless act of extreme violence. After the shooting, the suspects rode off on a dark coloured motorcycle, headed west along Harbour Road. •            The rider was wearing a dark coloured top and light pants. •            The passenger (gunman) was wearing a blue jacket and dark pants. Police are once again appealing for anyone who may have seen the motorcycle or, has any information on this incident, to call 211, the main police number, 295-0011, the confidential Crime Stoppers number on 800-8477 or, online at www.crimestoppers.bm. We urge you to get in contact with us and provide any information you may have, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to help bring the perpetrators to justice.

Road Sobriety Checkpoints in Effect 23rd July Through 1st August

Thursday, July 22,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) will be conducting road sobriety checkpoints in 7 parishes (Hamilton parish, Smith’s parish, Devonshire, Pembroke, Paget, Warwick & Southampton) starting Friday, 23rd July through Sunday, 1st August 2021 – which includes the Cup Match holiday weekend. Officers from the Community Policing Division, Roads Policing Unit and the Bermuda Reserve Police will operate the checkpoints, which are in addition to general BPS patrol officers enforcing Operation Vega. Please plan ahead and do your part by not driving or riding impaired. If you’re intending to go out and socialise, make sure you have arranged for a designated driver, taxi or another responsible transportation service to get you to your destination safely.

Community Clinic: Cedar Park Devonshire, Saturday, 24th July

Wednesday, July 21,2021

Constable James Eli, Parish Constable for Devonshire, will be hosting a community clinic at Cedar Park from 12 noon until 2:30pm Saturday, 24th July 2021. Representatives from relevant agencies, like the Bermuda Housing Corporation, are also expected to attend. The community clinic is an opportunity for area residents to have their concerns heard, as well as learn how they can enhance their Neighbourhood Watch. The clinic will be located at the Cedar Park roadside common area – first right after the second speed bump.

Quarantine Breach

Tuesday, July 20,2021

Following a breach this morning at the Cannonier Watson residence, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm that the family are within their residence which is being supervised by BPS officers. As a result of the offences committed today, a further file is being prepared with an anticipated court appearance.

Investigation Still Active on 4th Anniversary of Jahcari Francis' Murder

Tuesday, July 20,2021

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the murder of Jahcari Francis. Jahcari was shot to death while he was inside of a residence on Upland Street, Devonshire approximately 10:40pm the 19th July 2017 and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death remains active. Lead Investigator, Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith said, “The police have interviewed several persons and your cooperation is much appreciated. However, there are several people who witnessed suspicious activity on Upland Street, Devonshire that evening. Your cooperation is critical to bringing closure to this investigation. We once again appeal to those members of our community who were in the area of Upland Street at the material time to come forward. As has been seen in previous investigations, when the police and public work together we can solve these cases.”

Assistant Commissioner Weekes Accepted to Prestigious Policing Course

Monday, July 19,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is pleased to announce that Assistant Commissioner Martin Weekes is accepted to join this year’s Police Strategic Command Course (SCC) facilitated by the UK’s College of Policing. The SCC is policing's most senior leadership development programme and brings together senior leaders from the UK and other overseas territories for learning and leadership development at the highest level. With high demand to attend this internationally recognised course, Mr. Weekes was interviewed by two Chief Constables on Friday 16th July. That resulted in an invitation to attend the course which begins in September this year. Commissioner Stephen Corbishley said today, “I am delighted with ACOP Weekes’ acceptance to this year’s SCC, not least as there is extremely tough competition to join the course. One of the commitments I have given in my role is to invest in Bermudian colleagues to take the BPS forward on behalf of communities and Mr. Weekes will be the 4th member of the BPS to attend the SCC following in the footsteps of Deputy Commissioner Darrin Simons, Assistant Commissioner Antoine Daniels and Superintendent Na’imah Astwood. The SCC provides exceptional opportunity to develop as a leader and previous BPS attendees have impressed course coordinators with their contribution and skills, which is testament to the BPS as being world class. Equally, they have returned greater equipped to deal with the challenges that policing in Bermuda presents. I am therefore extremely pleased for ACOP Weekes’ attendance and what he will bring back to the Service. The SCC course for 2021 commences in September and graduation for attendees will take place on the 13th December."

Witness Appeal After Male Rider Struck Female Rider & Left Scene

Monday, July 19,2021

Around 4:10 p.m. on Friday, 16th July, police responded to a two vehicle road traffic collision which occurred on the North Shore Road in Hamilton Parish. Reports are a female motorcycle rider was travelling east along North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish when she initiated her left indicator to turn into Redkiln Road. An unknown male motorcycle rider, attempted to overtake on the inside and collided with the female motorcyclist. She was knocked off her bike and sustained non-life threatening injuries. The other rider who also came off his bike in the collision, got back on his motorcycle and left the scene.

Increase in Reported Burglaries During First Half of July

Friday, July 16,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is advising residents as well as businesses to remain vigilant for suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods after 21 burglaries were reported in 6 parishes between 1st July and 15th July 2021. In comparison, there were 19 reported burglaries in 8 parishes between 1st June and 30th June 2021. The reported incidents of unauthorised entry during the first half of July took place at:

Joint Press Release: Bermuda Police Service and the Ministry of Health

Wednesday, July 14,2021

The Ministry of Health has confirmed Mr. Antonio Belvedere met the requirements of the Quarantine (COVID-19) (No. 3) Amendment (No. 2) Order 2021 when he arrived in Bermuda today. The Ministry confirmed he arrived with an approved Bermuda COVID-19 Travel Authorisation form, fell within an exempted category (unaccompanied minors or medically vulnerable & their caregivers) and will quarantine at home for the mandatory 14 day period.

Operation Vega Update

Monday, July 12,2021

Operation Vega highlighting the extent of undesirable behaviour, a major cause for concern, on the island’s roads. In one instance, a driver was clocked at 109 KMH. Reminding that having a driver’s license is a privilege and not a right, Martin Weekes, Assistant Commissioner of Police provided an update on the progress of Operation Vega thus far:   “With the advent of “Operation Vega” the new Roads Policing Initiative launched one week ago, 219 traffic tickets have been issued and nine stolen bikes recovered. Of those 219 tickets issued, the biggest numbers (41) were for speeding offences, and for disobeying traffic signs (23). Tickets were also issued for other targeted offences to do with safety, including:

Appeal Dismissed Regarding Former Police Officer Oswin Pereira

Thursday, July 08,2021

The BPS welcomes today’s finding by the Court of Appeal in rejecting the recent application on behalf of former police officer Oswin Pereira, who was dismissed without notice in January 2020 for matters of gross misconduct. Police Commissioner Stephen Corbishley today stated: "This is the second occasion the BPS have dealt with appeals in relation to this matter and I welcome the Court of Appeal’s agreement that the decision by the police conduct panel, chaired by Mr. Alan Dunch, in January 2020, was correct. There has been much publicity given this case in the media, with the published judgment now articulating in detail the circumstances of this matter. It is essential the public have trust and confidence in police officers and it is right that the BPS sought to defend the conduct panel’s original decision to dismiss Mr. Pereira without notice which has today been upheld by the Court of Appeal."