Press Releases
Traffic Stop Social Media Post
Mon, 2020-07-20
SOCIAL MEDIA POST
The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a social media post, accompanied by a video clip, alleging wrongdoing on the part of officers during a traffic stop on Friday 17TH July.
The video clip and the account of the events given in that social media post, do not depict the full details of what transpired during that traffic stop.
The driver of the vehicle has not lodged a formal complaint against the officers involved and the Bermuda Police Service has made a number of attempts to speak with that person to bring resolution to the situation and we continue to do so.
A BPS spokesperson did reach that person by phone, to arrange a meeting with Commissioner Stephen Corbishley but, was told it would not be until next week, that the individual may be able to meet to discuss the situation.
The BPS has reviewed footage from the bodycams worn by the officers during the traffic stop and determined that the officers followed proper protocol during the execution of their duties whilst responding to a report of a vehicle being driven in an erratic manner.
Read MoreCOMMUNITY SUPPORT
Mon, 2020-07-20
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In recent days, you would have seen a number of individuals appear before the courts charged with serious offences involving violence. Included among them a 25 year old man charged with Murder and firearms offences in connection with the murder of Ronniko Burchall on the 29th December 2018.
The same man is suspected and has been additionally charged with using a firearm in an attempt to murder another man in St George’s Parish on Saturday, 13th June, 2020 and has been remanded into custody pending next court appearance.
Antoine Daniels, Assistant Commissioner of Police stated:
Sudden Death of Roger Richardson
Mon, 2020-07-20
The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 57 year old Mr. Roger Richardson and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Richardson was found in an unresponsive state at an industrial site at Khyber Pass in Warwick, shortly after 10:30 a.m. yesterday, Monday, 13th July.
He was pronounced dead by an on call physician a short time later.
Foul play is not suspected.
Officer Suspended
Mon, 2020-07-20
OFFICER SUSPENDED
Yesterday, an officer was suspended in relation to ongoing discipline matters. Because the investigation is on-going no further details or names will be released.
Darrin Simons, Deputy Commissioner of Police said:
“Please be reminded suspension is never a finding of guilt. Rather, having regard to; the nature of the allegation, consideration of restricted duties, the need for an effective investigation and, the public’s interest, is the appropriate course of action in the circumstances.”
Death of Lavonte Williams
Mon, 2020-06-29
The Bermuda Police Service can now identify the victim in yesterday’s fatal marine incident as Lavonte Williams.
Mr. Williams was thrown from his jet-ski while out on the Great Sound at about 7:00 p.m. on Sunday 28th June.
He was taken by boat to the dock at Jews Bay, where a waiting ambulance conveyed him to the King Edward the VII memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the family of the deceased during this difficult time.
The Bermuda Police Service extends its sincerest condolences to the relatives of Mr. Williams.
Statement from Commissioner of Police on DPP Decision
Thu, 2020-06-25
Following a complaint of serious sexual assault by a serving police against two other serving officers, a criminal investigation was commenced, alongside employment matters of gross misconduct to which the officers were suspended.
A file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Office for charging consideration.
An assessment by the DPP decided upon examination of all the evidence presented that there was not a realistic chance of prosecution in this matter beyond all reasonable doubt.
The officers subject to the criminal allegation have subsequently been informed, however they remain suspended and the BPS disciplinary process will make assessment to their behavior, a process that, unlike the criminal threshold, is based on the balance of probability.
As Commissioner of Police I support all who make complaint of sexual assault, whether they be a police officer or member of the public of any ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
We continue to look after the officer who made this complaint at this difficult time, with the provision of counselling and welfare support.
I understand the officer will now seek judicial review in regards to the DPPs decision which he is legally entitled to do.
In view of this action it would be inappropriate for the BPS to make any further comment until this process is completed.
Chaplain Bay Disturbance
Thu, 2020-06-25
The Bermuda Police is investigating a disturbance which occurred at Chaplin Bay, Warwick, at around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, 24th June.
Police received a number of calls around that time, reporting a large group of individuals gathered in the area fighting, using helmets and throwing bottles.
Upon police arrival, most of the individuals had already dispersed or were in the process of leaving the scene. Those spoken to, declined to provide any information to officers including members of the Criminal Investigations Unit, who attended the scene.
Out of an abundance of caution and to provide reassurance to the Warwick community, police maintained a high visibility presence in the area.
Police later received reports of a male arriving at King Edward VII Hospital with a stab wound to his arm.
However, there is nothing to confirm the injured male was involved in the Chaplin Bay incident. He declined to provide any information to police as to how he sustained the injury.
Woman Seriously Injured in Machete Attack
Sat, 2020-06-20
Around 10:50pm 19th June, police responded to a report of a serious assault on a 33 yr-old female in the Cedar Hill Warwick area.
Details are limited at this time however it was initially reported that the victim was in the yard of a private residence when she was set upon by a group of unknown individuals brandishing at least one machete.
The victim was then conveyed to KEMH for treatment of her injuries which are deemed to be serious.
The scene was processed by forensic officers and an investigation has commenced.
Anyone who may have seen persons in the area acting suspiciously or has information to assist police, we are asking that you call 211 or the confidential Crimestoppers number 800-8477.
Murder Victim Identified as Mr. Joshua Rowse
Thu, 2020-06-18
The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 22-year-old Joshua Rowse.
Mr. Rowse passed away at the King Edward the VII Memorial Hospital, after he fell victim to a brutal knife attack on Sunday 13th June, 2020, outside the Rubis Service Station on the South Shore Road in Warwick.
Four men have now been taken into custody in connection with what is being investigated as the murder of Joshua Rowse.
However, investigators would still like to hear from and speak with anyone who may have witnessed or have any information on this tragic incident, no matter how insignificant you may think it to be, to please contact Acting Detective Chief Inspector Kenten Trott on 717-2345, the main police number, 295-0011 or, 211.
Anyone wishing to give information anonymously, can do so by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.
A family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the Rowse family and the Bermuda Police service extends our sincerest condolences to them at this most difficult time.
ACOP Weekes Comments On Police Officer Struck By Motorcyclist
Mon, 2020-05-25
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Martin Weekes, today commented that over the weekend, officers from the Roads Policing Unit were on duty enforcing road traffic laws, and in particular speed offences and offences involving driving whilst impaired.
Whilst not able to speak to specific incidents, Mr. Weekes noted that an officer was injured when he was struck by a motorcycle ridden by a subject who was later arrested for driving whilst impaired. The officer was treated at the hospital for his injuries.
