Press Releases
Two Visitors Hospitalised, One in ICU, After Rental Scooter Crash
Thu, 2022-06-30
Around 1:40pm Wednesday, 29th June 2022 a reported single vehicle rental scooter crash occurred on Somerset Road in Sandys parish, near the junction with Morgan Hill, in the vicinity of Scaur Hill.
Police, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel responded.
It appears that a rental scooter ridden by two American visitors was travelling west along Somerset Road when it struck a wall near Ely’s Harbour.
It is understood that the impact threw the rider, said to be a 46-year-old man and his pillion passenger, said to be a 49-year-old woman over the wall, with both landing on the shoreline below.
The married couple were recovered from the shoreline by emergency services personnel and rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment.
At last check the 46-year-old visiting American man was on a general ward with injuries to his arms, legs and head, while the 49-year-old visiting American woman was in the Intensive Care Unit, with serious head and leg injuries which are considered life threatening.
Traffic in and out of Somerset was delayed for approximately two hours while the scene was processed.
The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a video circulating showing the aftermath of this crash and urge members of the public that if they receive it, please delete it, don’t share it.
Inquiries continue and any witnesses that have not already come forward are encouraged to call 211.
Read MoreConfiscated Assets Fund Supports BPS Financial Investigators Training
Tue, 2022-06-28
Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro (Officer in Charge, Crime Division) – “Detectives from the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) have embarked on a two week course as of Monday, 27th June 2022, aimed at financial investigations, asset recovery, confiscation & forfeiture, as well as investigating virtual (crypto) currencies. With the ever evolving nature of financial crimes, relevant training of investigators is vital.
The two week course has been funded by the Confiscated Assets Fund, which is enshrined in the Proceeds of Crime Act, where cash and forfeiture orders of the courts are deposited when the court has been satisfied that a person has benefited from criminal conduct. These monies are then utilized partly by law enforcement in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and drug trafficking.
Opening the course, Mrs. Shauna Mackenzie (Acting Chair of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee) made remarks to the course attendees, highlighting the importance of their work in combating criminals use of Bermuda’s financial system to engage in criminal conduct. She made reference to the Bermuda Police Service being at the “frontline” of combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of weapons of mass destruction. Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels also addressed the detectives and highlighted the importance of this investigative capability.
Importantly, the course was implemented to address a specific issue identified by international assessors from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), where Bermuda’s record on asset confiscation and forfeiture was identified as needing improvement.
The detectives on the course work primarily in the Financial Crime Unit, but officers from the Criminal Investigations Unit and Drugs (Narcotics) Unit are also on the course to address successional planning and redundancy issues. The Financial Crime Unit is largely focused on combating money laundering, corruption, fraud, and other forms of serious financial crimes, and works closely with other local Government and international agencies in these areas.
Upon completion of the course, the detectives will be considered trained financial investigators, and also receive certificates in the investigation of virtual currencies. The course is being provided by GENTIUM UK, a worldwide provider of training and services in financial and cryptocurrency investigations.”
Motorcyclist Injured in Reported Serious Single Vehicle Crash
Thu, 2022-06-23
Police are investigating a serious single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle, which occurred at the roundabout at the junction of Palmetto Road and North Shore Road, Devonshire, around 11:55 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022.
The motorcycle rider, a 40-year-old male, was traveling west on North Shore Road, Devonshire. He apparently attempted to continue west onto Palmetto Road at the roundabout, where excavation works are currently being carried out. It is believed he lost control of the bike, hit the island on Palmetto Road and was thrown from the bike.
He sustained facial and head injuries, which appear serious and was subsequently transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he continues to receive treatment for his injuries.
Traffic was diverted away from the area while the Traffic Collision Investigators along with Forensic Staff processed the scene.
Anyone who may have been in the area when the collision occurred or, who may have any information regarding this incident is urged to please contact PC Wayne Sealy via email – wsealy@bps.bm. You may also call 211 or the main police number 295-0011.
BPS Thank Public for Cooperation During Holiday Weekend
Wed, 2022-06-22
A relatively quiet Heroes Day holiday, in terms of serious crime, thanks to the cooperation and support of members of the general public. The policing plan announced and implemented before the start of the holiday weekend has had a positive impact.
Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro, Gold Commander for the holiday policing initiative commented: “The combined police and regiment patrols reported no major incidents over the three-day holiday.
There was one incident which occurred in the car park at the Arboretum around 4:15 a.m. Saturday, 18th June 2022, where one man sustained head and facial injuries in an attack involving several other males. The victim, an eighteen-year-old male, was attended to at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and thankfully, has since been discharged from hospital.
We continue to seek the public’s assistance in connection with the ongoing investigation into this matter. Anyone with information, is asked to call 211 or the main police number 295-0011.
Of note on the holiday itself, around 3:40 a.m. Monday, 20th June 2022, police and other first responders attended a single vehicle car crash on Harrington Sound Road, Smith’s parish, just east of Harrington Sound Primary School. The victim in that matter, a twenty-year-old male driver, was initially unresponsive and had to be pulled from the vehicle which had flipped onto its right side. At last check, he remained in hospital undergoing tests for head injuries which are not thought to be life threatening.
There was also a report of a boat becoming stuck on a reef and taking on water around 6:30 p.m. Monday 20th June. Members of the public assisted with pumping out the water and the boat was eventually beached and later taken away via a crane. No injuries were reported.
Disappointingly, the message about not driving whilst impaired (DWI), did not register with everyone and there were three arrests for DWI offences over the holiday weekend.
Speeding remained an issue. Our Roads Policing officers issued a number of tickets for speeding offences, with speeds in excess of 80 kilometres per hour being recorded.”
There were 48 arrests made over the course of the holiday weekend:
• 34 for outstanding warrants.
• 3 for impaired driving.
• 3 for breach of the peace.
• 8 for investigation of other criminal offences.
In addition, Operation Vega, our ongoing traffic enforcement initiative, resulted in 121 traffic tickets being issued for:
• Speeding: 57
• Failing to stop: 2
• Phone offence: 2
• No driver’s licence: 14
• Unlicensed vehicle: 13
• No insurance: 15
• Disobeying a traffic sign: 12
• Driving while disqualified: 2
• Helmet offence: 1
• Manner of driving: 3
These infractions notwithstanding, the Bermuda Police Service would like to take this opportunity to thank our partner agencies including the Royal Bermuda Regiment, CADA, and the Bermuda Road Safety Council as well as the organisers of the various social events around the island for their assistance and cooperation over the long holiday weekend.
Detective Superintendent Pedro added: “We would especially like to thank you, the members of the public, for doing your part in ensuring that the Heroes Day holiday weekend was celebrated safely and from all appearances, enjoyed by all.”
Man Hurt in Arboretum Assault, Public Asked Not to Share Video of Incident [Updated]
Sat, 2022-06-18
The Bermuda Police Service is appealing to the public to not share a number of video clips which we are aware are being circulated and which show a number of young people engaging in anti-social behaviour at the Arboretum in Devonshire.
We ask that should you receive any of these the video, you delete them and not forward them on.
The incident occurred around 4:15 a.m. today Saturday 18th June, 2022 in the parking lot of the Arboretum, where several young people gathered after attending a function in Pembroke.
Although there were scores of people who witnessed the incident which resulted in one man being taken to hospital where he was attended to for multiple head and facial injuries, no one was willing to provide any information to police officers who responded to reports of the fracas.
An investigation into this situation is now underway and police are appealing for anyone with any knowledge of what transpired, to please get in contact with us by calling 211, the main police number, 295-0011, the confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or, speak with an officer you know.
Update: Wednesday, 22nd June - 18-year-old man hurt in Arboretum assault treated and dishacrged from hospital.
Sudden Death Victim Identification: 70-Year-Old Keith Gordon
Wed, 2022-06-15
The Bermuda Police Service can confirm the identity of the 70-year-old male whose lifeless body was found at a Victoria Street, City of Hamilton residence as Mr. Keith Gordon.
An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Gordon.
A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist Mr. Gordon’s relatives during this difficult time.
Anyone with knowledge of Mr. Gordon’s whereabouts between the hours of 8:00 pm on Saturday, 11th June and 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, 12th June, 2022, is asked to call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or to speak with an officer you know.
The Bermuda Police Service extends its sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Gordon.
Investigation Commenced Into Sudden Death of 70-Year-Old Man [Updated]
Wed, 2022-06-15
Having received certain information, the Bermuda Police Service has begun an investigation into the death of a 70-year-old male, whose lifeless body was found at a Victoria Street, City of Hamilton residence on Saturday, 11th June, 2022.
Detective Inspector Jason Smith said, “An autopsy is set to take place as part of this investigation into this matter.
We wish to thank those members of the public who have provided us with information.
However, we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed two males involved in an altercation near the Ex-Artillery Club on Victoria Street, City of Hamilton between the hours of 8:00 p.m. Friday, 10th June, and 3:00 a.m. on Saturday 11th June, 2022, to please get in contact with us.”
Anyone with information on this matter is asked to call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or, as in the case of those who have already come forward, speak with an officer you know.
Update: Deceased 70-year-old man identified as Mr. Keith Gordon.
Two Men Hurt in Smith's Parish Stabbing Incident
Tue, 2022-06-14
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident which left a 56-year-old male and a 38-year-old male, both in need of treatment at hospital for stab wounds.
The incident occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, 14th June, 2022, in the area of John Smith’s Bay, Smith’s Parish.
Upon arrival, officers found the 58-year-old in an unresponsive state.
Both men were attended to at the scene by medical personnel before being transported via ambulance to King Edward Hospital where, at last check, they were both attended for their injuries, which are not considered life threatening.
Reports are the men were involved in a road traffic collision shortly before they became involved in an altercation.
The roadway near John Smith’s Bay was cordoned off for approximately an hour and a half and traffic diverted, while the scene was forensically processed.
Police are asking anyone with information on this matter to please call 211, or the main police number 295-0011. Alternatively, you may also share the information with an officer you know.
Policing for National Heroes’ Day Holiday Weekend
Tue, 2022-06-14
Chief Inspector Alexander Rollin, Community Policing Division – “With the National Heroes’ Day holiday weekend upon us, the public can look forward to a host of carnival type activity starting Thursday, 16th June 2022 and ending on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, 20th June 2022.
Of particular note are two events scheduled for the holiday Monday: J’ouvert, which takes place between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., followed by Revel de Road.
For J’ouvert, revellers will depart from Bernard’s Park and proceed left on Marsh Folly Road, left onto Cedar Avenue then another left onto Angle Street finishing back at Bernard’s Park.
The Corporation of Hamilton and the Ministry of Public Works have issued traffic notices permitting the closure of the roads mentioned, during the event.
Next up will be Revel de Road.
This street procession starts at 11:00 a.m. Monday 20th June and will consist of three laps, which will mainly take place in Pembroke Parish. This will mean the closure of a number of roadways. Among them, Frog Lane, Parsons Road, North Street and Dutton Avenue during the first lap.
The second lap will result in the closure of Dutton Avenue, Marsh Folly Road, Black Watch Pass, and North Shore Road up to the Palmetto Road roundabout.
The third and final lap will begin at the North Shore Road/Palmetto Road roundabout, west on Palmetto Road, then on to Marsh Folly Road before turning left onto Dutton Avenue and finishing at Bernard’s Park.
It is anticipated that each lap of the procession will take approximately two hours to complete.
Motorists should expect delays and there will be traffic diversions as a result of road closures and large numbers of people expected to be in attendance. We ask that you exercise patience and caution.
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) will maintain high visibility during these events. We urge members of the public against engaging in criminal activity or anti-social behaviour during these events or, any of the numerous other social gatherings set to take place during the holiday weekend.
It should be noted that although the scheduled carnival events have obtained noise permits, the BPS will still monitor noise levels and use authority under the law to address any noise related complaints, if necessary.
Members of the public planning to attend any of these events should travel with a group or in pairs, avoid parking or walking in dimly lit or isolated areas and advise someone of their whereabouts and when they plan to return.
For those headed out on the water, please file a float plan. Do not go boating alone. Ensure your radio is working and all the requisite safety equipment on-board is up-to-date.
When swimming, do not swim alone and please ensure that your boat’s registration decal is current and prominently displayed.
Do not consume alcohol and drive, ride or operate a watercraft.
Extra police officers will be on duty on the water for the raft up that is scheduled to take place in Mangrove Bay on Saturday 18th June. Our officers will be working closely with the Coast Guard to ensure a safe and enjoyable day is had by all.
We also ask that you cooperate with our officers, as we aim to ensure minimal disruption and that everyone is able to enjoy the holiday, without fear for their safety and wellbeing.
The public can expect there will be stepped up patrols as we continue our focus on traffic offences with Operation Vega, including impaired driving.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all residents and visitors a safe holiday weekend and urge you to enjoy yourselves responsibly.”
Sudden Death of 70-Year-Old Man [Updated]
Sun, 2022-06-12
Around 3:10pm on Saturday 11th June 2022, police and other first responders attended a report of an unresponsive 70 year old male, located at a Victoria Street, City of Hamilton residence.
On arrival, it was ascertained that there were no signs of life present and death was pronounced at the scene by an attending physician.
The scene was forensically processed by police and an investigation has commenced. An autopsy is anticipated in due course to determine cause of death, however foul play is not suspected at this time.
The Bermuda Police Service is aware of social media posts circulating regarding the deceased. Anyone who may have information regarding the deceased, in particular his movements prior to his death, is encouraged to call police on 211.
No further information will be given until the next of kin have been notified.
Update: Wednesday, 15th June - Having received certain information, the Bermuda Police Service has begun an investigation into the death of a 70-year-old male, whose lifeless body was found at a Victoria Street, City of Hamilton residence on Saturday, 11th June, 2022.
Detective Inspector Jason Smith said, “An autopsy is set to take place as part of this investigation into this matter.
We wish to thank those members of the public who have provided us with information.
However, we are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed two males involved in an altercation near the Ex-Artillery Club on Victoria Street, City of Hamilton between the hours of 8:00 p.m. Friday, 10th June, and 3:00 a.m. on Saturday 11th June, 2022, to please get in contact with us.”
Anyone with information on this matter is asked to call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or, as in the case of those who have already come forward, speak with an officer you know.
Official Identification: Deceased 70-year-old man identified as Mr. Keith Gordon.
