Press Releases
Commissioner Simons Addresses Firearm Incident at Divots Bar & Grill
Wed, 2022-05-11
As the investigation into the firearm incident which occurred yesterday at Divots progresses, the Bermuda Police Service wishes to thank those members of the public who have thus far. Thank you for providing statements, or otherwise sharing information with detectives.
We urge those individuals who have information about the incident but have not yet come forward, to please do so. I cannot sufficiently stress how important it is for you to work with your police service to combat this kind of behaviour which puts all our lives at risk.
On the question of risk, not long after yesterday’s incident, individuals began sharing a video clip and an image of the off duty police officer, who attempted to apprehend the suspect.
Sharing that video clip and image could quite possibly put the safety and wellbeing of both that officer and those present at risk. What’s more, it could negatively impact the investigation by revealing information which investigators would not want publicised at that time.
I am grateful for the brave actions of the officer and how the recovery of the firearm will advance the investigation and significantly reduce future harm in the country.
I should also make the point that the preservation of life and property must always remain our main objective. Thus, I wish to advise the public that should you find yourself faced with a similar situation, you should always take actions that maximise your safety and avoid confrontation with the perpetrator.
Read MoreReported Serious Two Vehicle Collision in Smith's Parish
Mon, 2022-05-09
Around 6:30pm on Monday 9th May 2022, police and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a serious two vehicle collision in the area of McGall’s Hill, Smith’s Parish, involving a car and a motorcycle.
A 40 year old male has been transported to King Edward Memorial Hospital for treatment of what has been described as serious injuries.
Traffic is currently being diverted from South Road onto Sayle Road and St. Mark's Road, while the scene is being processed. Motorists are being advised to use alternative routes.
Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to contact police on 211.
Confirmed Firearm Incident in North Hamilton: No Reported Injuries
Mon, 2022-05-09
Police are investigating an attempted shooting which occurred shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Sunday May 8th 2022.
Police at that time received a call from a member of the public who reported a male had brandished a silver coloured handgun and pointed it at an unknown male who was sitting on a white bike near the junction of Court Street and Elliott Street, Pembroke.
The caller stated the suspect attempted to discharge the weapon when it jammed.
It was reported the suspect then ran off through the parking lot towards Union Street.
Police attended the scene which was cordoned off and forensically processed.
Several rounds of live ammunition were recovered during a search of the area.
These were seized and have been sent for further processing.
CCTV footage of the incident is now being reviewed as part of the investigative process.
Detective Chief Inspector, Sherwin Joseph, the officer in charge of the Specialist Investigations Unit highlighted the importance of the report made to police and renewed community assistance going forward. “We are thankful to the caller who alerted us to this incident. However, there were several individuals in the area when it occurred. Despite the efforts of officers at the scene, no one was willing to say what they saw or assist police with their enquiries.
Thankfully, last night’s incident did not result in injury or worse. However, the police are not in this alone and it will take a community effort to put an end to this kind of criminal activity which has already caused unnecessary loss of life and pain to so many families.
Please, we are urging anyone with information on what happened last night, to get in contact with us.”
If you have any information on this matter, please call 211, the main police number, 295-0011, Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 or, of course share the information by speaking with a police officer with whom you are familiar.
Roads Policing Unit Reminder to Riders Under 18
Fri, 2022-05-06
The Roads Policing Unit (RPU) continues their efforts to educate the public and appropriately enforce the island’s traffic laws, with a timely reminder to riders aged 16 & 17.
It should be noted that riders under 18 cannot carry or ‘tow’ a passenger and cannot be on the roads between 1am and 5am.
The relevant legislation, the Auxiliary Bicycles Act 1954, states:
Prohibition from carrying passenger
9B (1) No person under the age of eighteen years shall drive an auxiliary bicycle with a passenger.
Restricted driving hours
9C (1) No person under the age of eighteen years shall drive an auxiliary bicycle between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
The penalties for disobeying the restrictions as stated in the Traffic Offences (Penalties) Act 1976 are:
• A $300 fine.
• 5 to 7 demerit points.
• A possible six-month ban from riding on the roads.
Inspector Darren Glasford, officer responsible for the RPU explained, “It has been noticed recently that many riders under the age of 18 are not following these rules.
This reminder is intended to promote voluntary compliance.
Overall, our goal is not to be punitive – but where police officers encounter offences being committed, our duty is to appropriately enforce the law.”
Keyoshe Robinson Murder Investigation
Fri, 2022-05-06
Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro, Officer in Charge – Crime Division: “The Bermuda Police Service has launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a body on the shoreline, just off the 10th hole of the golf course in St. George’s.
Officers who had been tasked to look for a male reported missing the previous day, made the sad discovery.
We can now confirm the body was that of missing person, Mr. Keyoshe Robinson, 22 years of age, of St. George’s Parish.
Mr. Robinson was reported missing at 5:10pm on Wednesday 4th May, 2022. He was last seen alive around 10:00pm Tuesday 3rd May, 2022, in the St. George’s town area.
Mr. Robinson was at the time wearing grey sweatpants, a dark coloured sleeveless ‘puffy’ vest and a grey ‘hoodie’ with black rings around the sleeve cuffs underneath. He was also wearing white sneakers.
Officers are working closely with the family and friends of Mr. Robinson, and a family liaison officer has been appointed to assist them during this difficult process.
Detectives from the Serious Crime Unit are investigating the matter, and are scouring CCTV footage and other evidence to find his killers.
We are of the view that Mr. Robinson knew his killers, and may have been lured to the location where he met his death.
We await the results of a pending forensic autopsy, but evidence from the scene points to Mr. Robinson having been shot with a firearm.
Forensic investigations continue, and a full complement of detectives are investigating under the command of Acting Detective Inspector Dean Martin.
St. George’s is a close knit community, and someone will know something about the death of Mr. Robinson.
We implore the people of St. George’s, in particular and Bermuda generally, to assist their Police Service. We note a lot of speculation on social media about the reason for Mr. Robinson’s death.
We urge members of the public not to engage in such activity, and allow officers to gather facts and evidence required to bring these heinous killers to justice.
If you know something, make contact with us today. Acting Detective Inspector, Dean Martin, may be contacted on 247-1285 or 717-2074. You may also call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or, Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.
Alternatively, if there’s a police officer you know and are comfortable speaking with, we urge you to share the information with that officer."
Sudden Death of 49-Year-Old Oscar Mascarinas
Wed, 2022-05-04
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 49-year-old Oscar Mascarinas and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Mascarinas, a Filipino guest worker, was seriously injured as one of the occupants at a Hilltop Court, Southampton residence where an explosion occurred around 8:50pm Monday, 2nd May 2022 and later pronounced dead at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
At last check his 50-year-old wife, also a Filipino guest worker, remains listed in critical condition in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing ongoing support to both their families.
The investigation regarding the circumstances and cause of this tragic incident continues.
Once again, members of the public with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, are urged to call 247-1744 as soon as possible.
Operation Vega Update, Past Weekend Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints
Tue, 2022-05-03
With Operation Vega remaining in place, 538 tickets were issued for various traffic offences during the last two weeks. That’s up from 353 in the previous two-week period.
This brings the number of tickets issued since the July 2021 launch of Operation Vega, to 4,842.
However, despite our continued heightened efforts, speed continues to be the highest recorded offence.
Over the last two weeks, a total of 336 tickets were issued for speeding, with speeds of between 60km/h and 90km/h being recorded.
The break-down of traffic offences recorded and the number of tickets issued are as follows:
1. Speeding 336
2. Operating an unlicensed vehicle 56
3. No third part insurance 56
4. No Driver’s license 55
5. Driving in a dangerous manner 15
6. Driving whilst disqualified 1
7. Driving whilst not wearing a seatbelt 7
8. Riding with an unfastened helmet 8
9. Using a handheld device whilst operating a vehicle 4
Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell of Tactical Support Unit said, “While our stepped up efforts and increased presence on the roads are resulting in more drivers and riders being stopped for speeding and can be seen as successful from a numbers perspective, our aim is to see those numbers decline. Only then, will we feel confident that people are paying attention”
Chief Inspector Cardwell added, “We cannot sufficiently stress that all road users need to take personal responsibility for their behaviour once they sit on that bike or get behind a steering-wheel. The life you save may well be your own. We will continue to enforce the traffic laws as they exist, but we also appeal for members of the motoring public to put safety first and slow down.”
Elsewhere the number of road traffic collisions have continued to decline since the introduction of Operation Vega.
ROADSIDE SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS
Over 1,000 vehicles were stopped during Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint exercises this past weekend, with two arrests made for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Mr. Cardwell stated, “Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints started earlier than usual, which caught a few people by surprise. This resulted in residents using social media to get the word out about our activity. We are certain this contributed to fewer individuals opting to operate vehicles whilst inebriated.”
Home Explosion Claims Life of Male Guest Worker, Wife Critical in ICU [Updated]
Tue, 2022-05-03
Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service can now confirm that a 49-year-old male Filipino guest worker – who was one of the occupants of the Hilltop Court, Southampton residence where an explosion occurred around 8:50pm Monday, 2nd May 2022 – later succumbed to his injuries.
Identification of the deceased is anticipated in due course.
His 50-year-old wife, also a Filipino guest worker, is still receiving treatment at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and at last check was listed in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit.
The three other men injured in the blast, understood to be Southampton residents aged 31, 57 and 82-years-old, have since been treated and discharged from hospital.
A joint investigation involving the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service and the Bermuda Police Service, regarding the circumstances and cause of this tragic incident, continues.
The investigators appreciate all information received so far and urge anyone with additional details that can assist with inquiries to call 247-1744 as soon as possible.
Update: Wednesday, 4th May - 49-year-old Oscar Mascarinas officially identified.
Reported Explosion at Hilltop Court, Southampton Residence [Updated]
Mon, 2022-05-02
Around 8:50pm today (Monday, 2nd May 2022), several 911 calls were received regarding an explosion at a Hilltop Court, Southampton residence.
Police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel responded to the scene.
Details remain limited at this time. However, it appears that the building involved suffered significant damage.
Several people were taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment. The extent of their injuries is currently unknown.
Members of the public are being urged not to share photos or videos of the scene via social media, as inquiries continue regarding the circumstances of this incident.
A further update is anticipated in due course, once more information is known.
Update: Detective Chief Inspector Arthur Glasford speaks to the media at the scene.
Update: Tuesday, 3rd May - Home explosion claims life of male guest worker, wife critical in ICU.
Traffic Advisory: North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish
Mon, 2022-05-02
Around 3:30pm today (2nd May 2022), a call was received regarding a garbage truck dumpster separating from the vehicle on North Shore Road in Hamilton parish, near Fractious Street.
While there are no reports of injury or property damage, traffic flow in the area was temporarily reduced to one lane, while the dumpster was removed via crane.
Police officers assisted with traffic flow and motorists are still advised to proceed with caution when travelling through the North Shore Road, Fractious Street, Hamilton parish area – as sand has been spread over the road surface at that location to assist with the clean-up process.
Any witnesses to this incident are encouraged to call 211.
