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Arrest of Police Officer

Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons - "In the early hours of Monday, April 22, 2024, the Bermuda Police Service began a targeted operation, which resulted in the arrest of a Police Sergeant, seven associates, the recovery of a firearm with ammunition, and a very significant quantity of drugs. The arrests were made in connection with an ongoing investigation that includes corruption. The officer has been charged with Conspiracy to import and supply controlled drugs, Conspiracy to import and supply firearms and ammunition, a Computer misuse offence, and Attempting to pervert the course of justice. Corruption undermines the very foundation of our society and betrays the trust placed in us by the community. We will act resolutely and decisively to root out those members of the service who violate that trust. Let this be a clear message to all; such conduct will find no shelter in the Bermuda Police. If found guilty, the officer will face the full force of the law. The public can be confident that we are committed to transparency and accountability at all levels. We are taking proactive steps to prevent similar incidents in the future, including the creation of an Anti-corruption unit and the development of a strategic plan to mitigate the risk of corruption. Every action we take is with the intent of strengthening the bond of trust between the community and the police. The arrested officer has been suspended, with pay, in accordance with legislation. Understandably, this news will be as unsettling to the community, as it is for the BPS family. We recognize the impact this incident has on our officers, particularly those who worked closely with the accused. Support is available to ensure their well-being during this challenging time. I want to assure the public that the vast majority of our officers serve honorably and with integrity. This incident does not reflect the values and principles of the Bermuda Police Service. We remain committed to providing the highest level of service to our community. The Bermuda Police Service encourages anyone with information related to this case or any other suspected corrupt activities to contact the BPS confidentially via Crimestoppers at 800-8477 or the anonymous reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm. Rest assured the Bermuda Police Service will continue to serve our community with integrity, professionalism, and accountability. We are resolute in our mission to make Bermuda safer for all."

Erin Richardson Murder Investigation Remains Active 10 Years Later

Ten years have passed since the murder of Erin Lee Richardson. Mr. Richardson, 28, was shot multiple times outside his residence at 16 Riviera Crescent, Southampton, around 10:45pm on Wednesday 23rd April 2014. He attempted to escape his attackers by running inside his residence, but was unable to do so. Police officers and EMTs attended the scene and administered first-aid to Mr. Richardson who was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where tragically, he succumbed to his injuries. The Bermuda Police Service is once again appealing to members of the public who may have any information on this matter to please come forward and provide that information to us. Please help us provide closure to Mr. Richardson’s family and bring those responsible for his death to justice. We remain extremely keen to speak with anyone who may have seen two males on a motorcycle leave Riviera Road in Southampton around the time of the shooting. The persons on the bike wore dark clothing, and the motorcycle had a quiet running engine. Mr. Richardson’s life was cut short and he has left behind many family members to grieve his loss. Were it your loved one so senselessly killed, you would want those with information to come forward and assist the police with their investigation. We are asking the same for Mr. Richardson’s loved ones. Anyone with knowledge of this incident or who has information that can assist in identifying and bringing the offender(s) to justice is asked to contact Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns of the Serious Crime Unit on phone number, 247-1062 or via e-mail at dburns@bps.bm. You may also provide anonymous tips through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda website, www.crimestoppers.bm. Alternatively, if you’re more comfortable doing so, share the information with a police officer whom you know.

Injured 72-Year-Old Motorcyclist Treated & Discharged From Hospital

A 72-year-old male motorcyclist injured in a four vehicle collision on North Shore Road in Hamilton parish, near Somers Hill Road around 8:05am Wednesday, 10th April 2024, was treated for his injuries at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and later discharged. The collision involved three cars, as well as the motorcyclist. However, no one else was hurt. Inquiries continue regarding the circumstances of this collision. Any witnesses that have not already come forward, or other members of the public with relevant information, are now asked to call Constable Tyler Nelmes on 211, or e-mail tnelmes@bps.bm.

Confirmed Firearms Incident: Devil's Hole Area, Smith's Parish

Shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2024, police received reports of gunshots heard in the Church Dale, Devil’s Hole area, Smith’s. Officers were dispatched to the scene and upon arrival, conducted a search of the immediate area. Their search confirmed a firearm was discharged based on evidence recovered. There were no reports anyone was injured. Checks with staff at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital indicated no one had attended seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. An inquiry into this incident has commenced and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Anneka Donawa of the Serious Crime Unit on 717-2250 or, via email at adonawa@bps.bm. You may also call 211 or report share the information via the BPS Community Reporting Portal at https://portal.police.bm. Alternatively. Please speak with a police officer you know or call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477. Detective Chief Inspector, Derricka Burns, stated: “This is the sixth confirmed firearms incident so far this year. We believe there are persons who are aware of who is behind these incidents, one of which resulted in a thirty-eight-year-old male suffering gunshot wounds.” “All of these incidents remain under active investigation and we are appealing for anyone with information to urgently make contact with us and help eliminate this scourge from our community.”

Witness Appeal: Collision in Sandys Parish

Police are investigating a reported road traffic collision, involving a pedestrian and motorcar, which occurred at the junction of Long Bay Lane and Nursery Lane, Sandys Parish, some time between 9:45 pm and 10:00pm on Friday, April 12, 2024. Information is that a motorcar was traveling west along Long Bay Lane in Sandys, before making a left hand turn into Nursery Lane and colliding with a pedestrian. As a result of the collision, a sixty-four-year-old male has been hospitalized and undergoing medical treatment. Anyone who may have witnessed or has information on this incident, is asked to contact Constable Dinell Bean, on 515-2413 or, via email at dbean@bps.bm. Alternatively, you may also call the main police number, 295-0011, the non emergency reporting number 211 or, by using the Bermuda Police Service community reporting portal at, https://portal.police.bm.

2022 Murder of Che Jennings Still Being Actively Investigated

Che Jennings was 24-years-old at the time he was fatally shot in the parking lot of Warwick Workmen’s Club, Thursday 7th April 2022 around 8:30pm, following a community Easter event. Mr. Jennings had been shot multiple times and inquiries led to an initial appeal regarding two men on a white motorcycle, heading east on Middle Road, Warwick, shortly after 8:30pm Thursday, 7th April 2022. The rider of that motorcycle wore a red jacket, while the passenger had on a yellow jacket. Both the rider and the passenger wore black helmets. Both individuals were in and around Warwick plus surrounding areas for some time the night of Mr. Jennings’ murder. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the 24-year-old’s murder and later released on police bail. Bermuda Police Service (BPS) detectives are grateful for the assistance received to date from the public and renew their appeal for relevant information, as this active homicide investigation continues. In fact, BPS investigators remain confident that there are members of the public who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Jennings’ killing, but for whatever reason, are choosing not to come forward and reveal what they know. Help bring those responsible for the murder of Che Jennings to justice. Contact Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa of the Serious Crime Unit in confidence by calling 247-1739 or e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda website, www.crimestoppers.bm.

2022 Murder of Laje Franklin Still Being Actively Investigated

Two years ago, a passer-by found 18-year-old Laje Franklin’s lifeless body lying near the roundabout on the roadway leading to Clearwater Beach, St. David’s shortly after 6:30am Wednesday, 6th April 2022. He died of multiple gunshot wounds and detectives believe that he was fatally shot near where he was found. Inquiries into the teen’s murder initially appealed for anyone who heard any suspicious noises or saw suspicious activity in the area of Tommy Fox Road, or near the Gulfstream residences at Southside, between 11:00pm Tuesday, 5th April 2022 and the early hours of Wednesday, 6th April 2022, to make contact with the Serious Crime Unit. One person was arrested in connection with the 18-year-old’s murder and later released on police bail. While Bermuda Police Service (BPS) detectives are grateful for the assistance received to date from the public, a renewed appeal for relevant information is being issued, regarding this ongoing active homicide investigation. In fact, BPS investigators remain confident that there are members of the public who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Franklin’s killing, but for whatever reason, are choosing not to come forward and reveal what they know. Help bring those responsible for the murder of Laje Franklin to justice. Contact Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa of the Serious Crime Unit in confidence by calling 247-1739 or e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda website, www.crimestoppers.bm.

2021 Murder of Jordan Outerbridge Still Being Actively Investigated

Three years ago, around 10:30pm Tuesday, 6th April 2021, Jordan Outerbridge was fatally shot on the Railway Trail in Warwick. He was 37-years-old at that time. On the night of his murder, Mr. Outerbridge was the first person to leave a regularly scheduled card game at a nearby Tribe Road Number 2, Warwick residence. As he was about to head home to his wife and two girls, a gunman wearing a blue coloured jacket with a hood shot him multiple times, before escaping on the back of a waiting motorcycle. The gunman’s accomplice, riding the motorcycle, wore black clothing. So far, no one has been arrested in connection with the 37-year-old’s murder. Bermuda Police Service (BPS) detectives are grateful for the assistance received to date from the public and renew their appeal for relevant information, as this active homicide investigation continues. In fact, BPS investigators remain confident that there are members of the public who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Outerbridge’s killing, but for whatever reason, are choosing not to come forward and reveal what they know. Help bring those responsible for the murder of Jordan Outerbridge to justice. Contact Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa of the Serious Crime Unit in confidence by calling 247-1739 or e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda website, www.crimestoppers.bm.

Operation Vega Update: First Quarter 2024

Statistics Impaired Driver Arrests: Full Year 2021 - 170 Full Year 2022 - 229 Full Year 2023 - 265 First 3 Months 2024 - 39 In this period, 1st January 2024 until 31st March 2024, the breakdown of traffic offences reported is as follows:                                                            January                February              March Impaired Driving                                15                       9                         15 Speeding                                           183                       172                      284 Traffic sign                                          55                       36                          25 Unlicensed vehicle                            57                      36                        25 No third party insurance                  62                     26                         19 No driver’s licence                            52                     27                         31 Manner of driving                              3                        3                           6 Disqualified driver                             9                        6                           5 Seatbelt                                               6                       2                           4 Helmet                                                3                       9                           4 Handheld device                               4                     16                           8 Defective vehicle                              5                       2                           5 Fail to give name/address              1                       0                           1 Fail to stop                                        4                       2                           4 Fraudulent documents                   1                       1                           0 Making a false statement              0                       0                           0   License plate offence                     2                       1                           0 Tint offence                                     0                       0                           0 Youth license offence                    0                      0                            0 Parking                                           91                  115                         58 Motorist Advice Notices           100                    58                         55   Total                                            653                   521                      549