Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons - “Shortly after midnight on Saturday, August 24, 2024, police officers were responding to an incident near Khyber Pass in Warwick. As they approached the junction with Quarry Lane, they observed two males riding a motorcycle heading south along Khyber Pass. The passenger discharged a firearm at our officers.
In response, the officers pursued the suspects in attempt to stop them. The rider lost control of their motorcycle and in the course of this encounter our officers discharged their weapons. The suspects managed to escape on foot.
This is not the first time that officers have been shot at. But this is the first time, that in performance of their duty, BPS officers have discharged lethal weapons at another person.
I want to stress that, thankfully, there are no reports of injury resulting from this incident. I met with the officers involved on the evening in question, and I'm grateful to say they are doing well, considering the circumstances.
An investigation is now underway, led by our Serious Crime Unit. Additionally, we have initiated our Post-Incident Procedures, which is standard protocol whenever firearms are discharged, excluding training scenarios. This process is designed to thoroughly examine our police response and use of firearms. We have also notified the Police Complaints Authority, which provides independent oversight of our actions. Further information on the investigation will be shared by CI Burns later.
I must emphasize: it is absolutely reckless to shoot at the police. The offender puts his life at the ultimate risk. Such actions not only place the officers in extreme danger but also endanger bystanders and the community at large.
The Bermuda Police Service is equipped and trained to effectively respond to these threatening situations. For over 25 years, we have been professionalizing our firearms training and capability. I am committed to maintaining our ability to respond to emergencies and have ensured that the number of firearms officers on patrol remains consistent, even as resources have declined.
Rest assured, there are dedicated teams of officers working tirelessly to deter, disrupt, and apprehend those gang members who show a wanton disregard for our community's safety. This includes making arrests, executing warrants, and ensuring that gang members face justice in our courts for their criminal acts. ACOP Daniels will provide some additional information.
I ask for the continued support of our community. Working together, we can make a difference. If you know something, please say something. Your information is vital in helping us keep Bermuda safe.”
The policing plan implemented over the just concluded Cup Match holiday weekend, was in the main, successful in preventing any major criminal activity. Although, there were thirty-six arrests for various offences, the majority being for outstanding warrants.
However of particular concern, among them were ten persons arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drug and three persons arrested for possession of bladed articles, namely, knives.
There were also a number of domestic violence reports which were quickly acted upon by officers and which have now become ongoing investigations in some instances.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Antoine Daniels, while not going into detail, addressed the domestic abuse idents. “In recent times, there has been a noticeable uptick in such reports. It’s too early to say whether there has been an increase in these incidents or, whether victims are now feeling more empowered to come forward and speak out against this less than desirable behaviour.”
“Either way, your Bermuda Police Service has adopted a zero tolerance approach for these acts and assure those individuals who rightly choose not to suffer in silence that we will do what is required to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Superintendent Jerome Laws – “Good Afternoon to the media and Bermuda. I will be the Gold Commander for the upcoming Cup Match Classic, as well as the Emancipation Day festivities at Horseshoe Bay beach.
Bermuda’s summertime highlight, this holiday weekend we celebrate Emancipation Day (Thursday) and Mary Prince Day (Friday) with our friends, family and loved ones.
As you might expect, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has an operational plan in place regarding these particular events, which are traditionally popular with locals and visitors.
Cup Match Classic
This year’s Cup Match Classic, between Somerset and St. George’s Cricket Clubs, will be held at the Somerset Cricket Club grounds Thursday, 1st August and Friday, 2nd August, 2024.
Working in partnership with Somerset Cricket Club management, the Bermuda Police Service, alongside the Royal Bermuda Regiment and a local security company, will have a heightened and visible presence at the venue on both days, to facilitate a safe environment for all.
Additional police resources will once again be co-located in the onsite Joint Agency Command Centre (JACC), with Somerset Cricket Club, a local security company, St. John’s Ambulance plus related stakeholders, prepared to respond to any calls for service in a proportionate and appropriate manner.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Similarly, a robust police presence, alongside the Royal Bermuda Regiment will be in place at Horseshoe Bay beach on Thursday, 1st August, 2024, working in conjunction with relevant stakeholders like the Department of Parks.
The first day of the Cup Match holiday weekend tends to see an uptick in activity at Horseshoe Bay.
With that in mind, a BPS drone will be used to monitor and direct any police response to calls for service, as in previous years.
Enjoy Safely & Responsibly
Police presence at both locations is necessary, to discourage those members of our community who may seek to disrupt these specific festivities with acts of violence or anti-social behaviour.
Residents and visitors attending each event are encouraged to have fun, but are also reminded to do so in a safe and responsible manner.
Please drink responsibly if consuming alcoholic beverages and be considerate of others.
Avoid parking anywhere that will block emergency vehicle and residential driveway access.
Finally, do not ride or drive on the roads impaired and do not operate any watercraft while impaired.
In closing, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police and his Senior Leadership Team, we wish each and every one of you a safe and enjoyable Cup Match.”
Shortly after 1:00am on Tuesday 31st of July 2024 police were dispatched to a report of a stabbing on Cambridge Road near to the junction with Somerset Road, Sandys.
On police arrival, it was ascertained that two males had been involved in a physical altercation, when another male on a motorcycle arrived at the scene and stabbed one of the males involved in the original altercation. The rider of the motorcycle then proceeded to make good escape along Cambridge Road, headed in the direction of Long Bay Road.
The victim who is believed to be in his early 20s has been conveyed to King Edward Memorial Hospital for treatment of several stabs wounds. The extent of his injuries is not known at this time.
A portion of Cambridge Road has been cordoned off whilst police process the scene.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Acting Inspector Odesa Philip on 717-2193 or ophilip@bps.bm.
Anonymous reporting can also be made on portal.police.bm or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.
Around 11:10 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, police and other first responders were dispatched to a confirmed firearms incident on the South Shore Road near the junction with Strawberry Hill, Paget.
Upon arrival, officers found a female who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, lying in the roadway next to a motorcycle.
EMTs commenced life saving measures before transporting the victim to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment of her injuries which are considered life-threatening.
Reports are the female and a male pillion passenger were traveling west on the South Shore Road, when they were shot at by unknown suspects who fled the scene traveling east on a dark coloured motorcycle.
It is not known whether the pillion passenger who left the scene before the arrival of police, was injured.
An investigation into this incident has now commenced and anyone with any information is asked to contact Acting Detective Inspector Odessa Philip of the Serious Crime Unit, on 717-2193 or via email ophilip@bps.bm.
You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477 or share the information with a police officer you know.
Alternatively, we urge you to use the police Community Reporting Portal at, https://portal.police.bm.
Around 7:15pm on Saturday 29th July, 2017, Jahkoby Smith (pictured below), 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 seventh 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 Jahkoby Smith prior to this incident, is urged to contact Detective Inspector Dean Martin on 717-2074 / 247-1739.
You may 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.
You may also speak with another officer you know or, use the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.
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 or speaking to an officer you may know.”
“Remember, 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.”
If you have any information on the murder of Jahkoby Smith, please, reach out to us.”
Shortly before 12:45 a.m., on Monday, July 29th, 2024, police and Emergency Medical Services personnel, were dispatched to a reported single vehicle road traffic collision, involving a motor bike, near the junction of West Park Lane and North Shore Road, Pembroke.
Details are limited at this time. However, it was reported that the motorcycle rider, a 30 year old male, sustained a possible head injury and was unresponsive.
He was attended to at the scene by Emergency Medical Technicians, before being conveyed by ambulance, to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, for further treatment of his injuries.
The roadway was closed to vehicular traffic for just under two hours, while the collision scene was processed.
An investigation into this incident is underway and anyone with information is asked to contact the main police number, 295-0011.
You may also call 211 or provide the information via the police Community Reporting Portal at, https://portal.police.bm.
On Thursday, July 25th, 2024, the Bermuda Police Service Serious Crime Unit, supported by the Criminal Investigation, Gang Targeting and Police Support Units, executed two warrants in the Sandys Parish area.
Two male suspects were arrested in connection with the ongoing investigations into the murders of Razi Garland and Amon Robinson.
Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph of the Crime Division stated: “Our officers continue to work tirelessly to progress these serious matters, however, we need the continued support of our community.
We are once again appealing for anyone with information, to please contact the Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Anneka Donawa on 717-2250 or, via email at adonawa@bps.bm.”
You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.
Alternatively, please share the information with a police officer you know.
No further information will be provided at this time.
On Saturday, July 20th, 2024, police along with the Department of Customs and other stakeholders, conducted a joint operation, at L.F. Wade International Airport.
A 58-year-old Mexican National was arrested at LFW International Airport for money laundering offenses, after he was found in possession of a large quantity of cash. He was also arrested in relation to investigations into other outstanding matters.
The Bermuda Police Service Financial Crime Unit, assisted by the Tactical Division, Gang Targeting, and Drug Units, later executed Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) search warrants, at residences in Devonshire and Paget. More than 17 thousand dollars in cash was seized, and two persons arrested.
The team also seized a quantity of controlled drugs and several high-value items, suspected to be the proceeds of criminal conduct.
Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph of the Crime Division stated, “Laundering the proceeds of criminal conduct can cause significant social and economic harm to our community by fuelling organized crime networks.”
“We will continue to work with our partners at L.F. Wade International Airport to detect, disrupt and dismantle Money Laundering operations."
The BPS Specialists Investigations Department continues investigations into these matters.
No further information will be provided at this time.
Around 9:08 a.m. on Sunday, July 21st, 2024, police and other first responders were dispatched to a serious road traffic collision involving a motorcar and a pedal cyclist, on Pitts Bay Road near the junction with Mill Creek Road, Pembroke.
Details are limited at this time, however, the male pedal cyclist reportedly sustained serious head injuries.
He was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where at last check, he continued to receive treatment for those injuries.
The female driver of the motor car was not reported to be injured.
The scene of the collision is currently being processed and the roadway remains closed at this time.
Anyone with information on this incident, is asked to contact PC 2578, Taylor on 515-2578 or via email at, ptaylor2@bps.bm.
You may also call the main police number 295-0011.
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