Body Pulled from Water on North Shore [Updated]
Sat, 2023-07-15
Around 6:40pm on Saturday July 15th, police responded to a report of a male seen floating in the waters off of North Shore, Devonshire, in the area of Empire Grocery.
Three officers entered the water to retrieve the man and immediately commenced life saving efforts.
EMTs arrived a short time later and continued life saving efforts, while transporting the man to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Unfortunately he was later pronounced dead.
An investigation surrounding the circumstances of the man’s death has commenced.
We are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time and seen a man near or in the water, to contact police on 211 or 295-0011.
No further information will be given until the next of kin has been notified.
Update: Thursday, 20th July - The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the sudden death of 68-year-old Calvin Thomas and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
The Devonshire resident’s lifeless body was found floating in the waters off of North Shore Road, Devonshire around 6:40pm Saturday, 15th July 2023.
An autopsy has since ruled out foul play and confirmed that Mr. Thomas tragically drowned.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer continues to provide relevant support to his loved ones.
Read MoreThree Men Injured: Disturbance in Sandys Parish [Updated]
Sat, 2023-07-15
Around 12:10am Saturday, 15th July 2023, police received a report of a large disturbance on Somerset Road, Sandys, near Cambridge Road.
On police arrival at the scene, it was ascertained that at least ten individuals were involved in a fight, resulting in three men being treated at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for suspected stab wounds.
After receiving medical care, the three men were later discharged from hospital.
Police are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to contact Sgt. Odessa Philip on 717-2193 or email ophilip@bps.bm.
Alternatively, you can call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477, or speak to a police officer that you know.
Update: Monday, 17th July: Detectives continue their inquiries into a reported large disturbance that occurred around 12:10am Saturday, 15th July 2023 on Somerset Road in Sandys parish, near Cambridge Road.
Initial information indicated that three men, now understood to be a 37-year-old, a 34-year-old and a 19-year-old were injured, treated at hospital and later discharged.
However, it has since been confirmed that only the two older men were discharged from the hospital after medical care. At last check the 19-year-old man remained at the hospital, receiving medical treatment for what are understood to be non-life threatening injuries at this time.
The witness appeal continues and investigators are still keen to speak with anyone who was in the Somerset Road, Cambridge Road Sandys parish area around 12:10am Saturday, 15th July 2023.
Members of the public with relevant information are once again encouraged to call Detective Sergeant Odessa Philip on 717-2193, e-mail ophilip@bps.bm or call the Criminal Investigations Department on 247-1744.
Alternatively, those that can assist are encouraged to speak to a police officer they know, or provide an anonymous tip by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline, 800-8477.
Witness Appeal: Woman Injured in Serious Assault Saturday, 8th July 2023
Wed, 2023-07-12
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), has commenced an investigation into a report of serious assault, which occurred on Saturday, July 8th, 2023, at an Inghams Vale, Pembroke Parish, residence, involving a male and female who are known to each another.
The female victim was later taken by private vehicle to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where she received medical treatment for a serious head wound. She was subsequently released.
A male in his 50s, was taken into police custody in relation to this matter.
However, the investigation remains open and the BPS appeals for any witnesses who may not have already come forward, but can further assist the inquiry to please contact Constable Jason Savoury, of the Crime Unit on 247-1744, or email jsavoury@bps.bm.
You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 (TIPS), 211 or share the information with a police officer whom you know.
Additionally, should anyone have any CCTV cameras that may have captured the incident, or who may have video of the incident gathered by some other means, please contact the officer in charge of the investigation or dial the numbers mentioned.
Female American Visitor Seriously Hurt in Rental Scooter Crash [Updated]
Sun, 2023-07-09
Police and other first responders were dispatched to a single vehicle collision involving a livery cycle on Stowe Hill, Paget, around 10:40 a.m. on Sunday, July 9th, 2023.
Information is that a 54-year-old female visitor from the United States, was riding a livery cycle north along Stowe Hill when she lost control of the vehicle and struck a wall.
She sustained head and facial injuries in the collision and was attended to at the scene by EMTs before being transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment for her injuries which are considered serious.
Stowe Hill was closed off to vehicular traffic for approximately one and a half hours while the scene was forensically processed.
An investigation into this collision is now underway and anyone with information is asked to contact PC Bryden Pedro via e-mail bpedro@bps.bm. You may also call 211 or, the main police number 295-0011.
Update: Friday, 14th July - The Bermuda Police Service can confirm that after receiving medical treatment, the 54-year-old visiting American woman seriously injured in a single vehicle Stowe Hill, Paget collision (while riding a rental scooter last Sunday morning, 9th July 2023) was ultimately discharged from King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
Inquiries Continue Into Car & Bus Collision Wednesday Morning
Thu, 2023-07-06
Inquiries continue regarding the collision involving a car and a bus that occurred around 8:15am Wednesday, 5th July 2023 on Harrington Sound Road in Hamilton parish, near Cedarberry Drive.
Apparently the bus and car were being driven in opposite directions at the time.
At last check the injured car driver, now understood to be a 27-year-old St. George’s man, remained hospitalised.
There were no reports of anyone else being hurt.
Any witnesses that have not already come forward are now encouraged to call Constable Maya Tucker on 211 as soon as possible, or e-mail maya.tucker@bps.bm.
Overturned Car in Sandys Parish: No Reported Injuries
Thu, 2023-07-06
Shortly after 9:00a.m. today, Thursday 6th July, 2023, police responded to a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcar near the junction of Lantana Road and Somerset Road, Sandys.
Upon arrival, officers observed a car overturned and resting on its side.
Reports are the vehicle was travelling out of Somerset, along Somerset Road, when upon reaching the junction of Lantana Road and Somerset Road, the driver lost control and struck a wall, causing the motorcar to overturn before coming to a stop on its side down an embankment.
The female driver was unhurt, but the vehicle was extensively damaged.
Traffic was restricted to one lane while the vehicle was recovered and subsequently towed.
Car Driver Hurt After Collision With Bus in Hamilton Parish [Updated]
Wed, 2023-07-05
Around 8:15am Wednesday, 5th July 2023 police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel were dispatched to a reported two vehicle collision on Harrington Sound Road in Hamilton parish, near the junction with Cedarberry Drive.
Details remain limited at this time.
However, it appears that a bus and a car collided on Harrington Sound Road, in the vicinity of Leamington Caves.
The car driver, believed to be a 27 year old local man, was hurt and apparently had to be extracted from the vehicle.
He was then transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, for treatment. The extent of his injuries is currently unknown.
So far, there is no indication that anyone on the bus was hurt.
Traffic diversions in the area were in place for approximately two hours, while the scene was processed.
Any witnesses are encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible, or e-mail 211@bps.bm.
Update: Thursday, 6th July - Inquiries continue regarding the collision involving a car and a bus that occurred around 8:15am Wednesday, 5th July 2023 on Harrington Sound Road in Hamilton parish, near Cedarberry Drive.
Apparently the bus and car were being driven in opposite directions at the time.
At last check the injured car driver, now understood to be a 27-year-old St. George’s man, remained hospitalised.
There were no reports of anyone else being hurt.
Any witnesses that have not already come forward are now encouraged to call Constable Maya Tucker on 211 as soon as possible, or e-mail maya.tucker@bps.bm.
Robbery Suspects Arrested
Tue, 2023-07-04
Around 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 2nd, 2023, an 18-year-old male attended Hamilton Police Station and reported that he was robbed of his motorcycle at knifepoint on South Road, near the junction with Collectors Hill, Smiths.
The 18-year-old male told police he was riding west along South Road, Smiths, when three motorcycles travelling in the same direction pulled up to him as he approached St. Marks Church.
The man kept riding west along South Road, when upon approaching the traffic lights at the junction of South Road and Collectors Hill, one of the cycles overtook him and blocked his path causing him to stop. A pillion rider on one of the cycles then brandished a knife and demanded he hand over his cycle.
Acting on information provided, officers attended the area. While on patrol, they observed the suspects riding a separate stolen motorcycle.
The suspects, a 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old male led officers on an extensive chase and were later intercepted.
They were each found to be in possession of a knife. They were arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Unit have commenced an investigation into the robbery report and anyone with information on this matter, is asked to contact Detective Constable, Jenea Smith on 717-2290 or, via email - jrsmith@bps.bm.
You may also call the main police number, 295-0011, provide the information via the Bermuda Police Service Community Reporting Portal at https://portal.police.bm or speak with a police officer you’re familiar with.
Alternatively, please call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.
Operation Vega Update for June 2023
Tue, 2023-07-04
Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, Tactical Operations Division – “Bermuda Police Service (BPS) statistics show reported collisions in 3 of the 4 recorded categories for the 2nd quarter of 2023 (damage, slight injury and serious injury) are down, compared to the 1st quarter of 2023. However, fatal collisions recorded in the 2nd quarter increased by 2, compared to the 1st quarter.”
Additional Statistics
From 1st January until 30th June 2023, 140 motorists were arrested for impaired driving – 14 in January, 27 in February, 25 in March, 21 in April, 30 in May and 23 in June. In comparison, for the same six month period in 2022, a total of 95 motorists were arrested for impaired driving.
During the month of June 2023, 330 traffic tickets were issued by the BPS, up from 284 issued during May 2023. In addition, 48 motorist advice notices (official written warnings) were issued in June, down from 50 in the previous month.
June also saw 275 parking tickets issued, up from 175 parking tickets issued the month before.
Since the start of Operation Vega (6th July 2021), a total of 10,153 traffic tickets have been issued. The breakdown of ticketed traffic offences for June 2023 is below. The change compared to May 2023 is provided in brackets.
Speeding 188 (+110) Speeds ranged from 58 kph to 90 kph.
Traffic sign 32 (-2)
Unlicensed vehicle 33 (-12)
No third party insurance 27 (-13)
No driver’s licence 22 (-10)
Manner of driving 2 (-7)
Disqualified driver 7 (+6)
Seatbelt 6 (-17)
Helmet 3 (+1)
Handheld device 4 (-1)
Defective vehicle 3 (+2)
Fail to give name/address 0 (0)
Fail to stop 1 (-2)
Fraudulent documents 1 (-2)
Making false statement 0 (0)
License plate offence 1 (-7)
Tint offence 0 (0)
Youth license offence 0 (0)
Ceremony Held to Celebrate BPS & BRP Officers’ Achievements
Fri, 2023-06-30
At a ceremony held 5pm Wednesday, 28th June 2023, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) and the Bermuda Reserve Police (BRP), recognised nine officers – two for their promotion (one to Inspector, the other to Sergeant), three for their voluntary long service culminating in retirement and four for completing their initial voluntary policing training.
Dignitaries, family, friends and colleagues were in attendance at the Police Recreation Club hall in Prospect, Devonshire for the occasion.
The newly promoted BPS officers are:
Inspector 709 Sharnita Tankard
Sergeant 2381 Marina Jn Pierre
Inspector Tankard and Sergeant Jn Pierre were officially promoted by Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons. A female loved one of each officer, invited from the audience by Commissioner Simons, assisted him with putting epaulettes on the relevant officer’s shoulders, signifying their new rank.
Inspector Tankard joined the BPS in 1987 as a Cadet and then became a Constable in 1989. She was later promoted to Sergeant in 2009. She has worked as a parish officer, but most of her career to date has been involved in the specialised investigation of crimes relating to the exploitation of children, locating missing persons as well as handling cases of senior abuse and neglect, within the Vulnerable Persons Unit. Inspector Tankard also offers her technical expertise to the Serious Crime Unit during sensitive investigations, while providing support to relevant Government and community agencies.
Sergeant Jn Pierre joined the BPS as a Constable in 2008 after serving with her home Royal St. Lucia Police Force since 2003, where she graduated top of her class (Baton of Honour recipient) and received the physical fitness award for outstanding female. With varied policing experience in St. Lucia and Bermuda, she currently performs the role of patrol Sergeant in the Community Policing Division at Southside Police Station. Outside of policing, Sergeant Jn Pierre is a professional bodybuilder with the International Fitness and Bodybuilding (IFBB) Federation.
The retiring BRP officers are:
Reserve Constable 1047 Clayton Fleming (after over 37 years’ service)
Reserve Constable 1113 Millard Rawlins (after over 35 years’ service)
Reserve Constable 1262 Carmel Amory (after over 26 years’ service)
Commandant Ron-Michel Davis presented plaques to retiring BRP officers Fleming, Rawlins and Amory for their dedicated voluntary service, which combined, totalled almost 100 years.
Reserve Constable Fleming joined the BRP on 4th February 1986 and has been an active and committed member, with admirable leadership and character qualities. He reached the rank of Sergeant during his service and spent most of his time voluntarily assisting the marine police, but frequently performed land based duties as required.
Reserve Constable Rawlins joined the BRP on 1st January 1988. He reached the rank of Inspector, even serving as Acting Chief Inspector for periods and provided immeasurable support to the Roads Policing Unit team as a qualified laser speed detector operator, as well as a truck driver. Also, Reserve Constable Rawlins has featured in many local and international BRP events.
Reserve Constable Amory joined the BRP on 14th April 1997. During his service he actively engaged in frontline operational policing and in recent years was also a valuable Roads Policing Unit team member as a qualified laser speed detector operator, as well as a truck driver. Similarly, Reserve Constable Amory has featured in many BRP events.
The latest BRP officers to successfully complete their initial training are:
Reserve Constable 1571 Randolf Bakabak (Academic award recipient)
Reserve Constable 1572 Holly Lavigne-Smith (Unable to attend Wednesday’s ceremony)
Reserve Constable 1573 Tahirah Simmons (Best overall recruit and Baton of Honour recipient)
Reserve Constable 1574 Krislyn Lambert
Commandant Davis also presented the four latest Reserve Constables to complete their initial training with certificates. They started as BRP recruits on 10th April 2023.
When asked prior to Wednesday afternoon’s ceremony about their decision to volunteer, each expressed their pride to wear the uniform and a desire to serve.
Reserve Constable Bakabak: “I will wear my police uniform with utmost pride as it would be an honour to serve this country and give back to the community that has given so much to me.”
Reserve Constable Lavigne-Smith: “I feel honoured and proud to be able to represent the Bermuda Police Service as a Reserve Police officer.”
Reserve Constable Simmons: “I look forward to enabling the enforcement of justice, helping people in need and to making a difference in my community through my work.”
Reserve Constable Lambert: “I understand what is expected of me in my role as a Reserve Police officer and I intend to meet each challenge and obstacle with professionalism, an open mind, strong judgement and a commitment to not only serving Bermuda, but to being an example for others in the community to emulate.”
Official photos were taken at the conclusion of the ceremony with dignitaries including Minister of National Security the Hon. Michael Weeks JP MP, Permanent Secretary for National Security Lt. Col. Edward Lamb (Ret.), Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons, Assistant Commissioner Martin Weekes, Assistant Commissioner Antoine Daniels, Commandant Ron-Michel Davis, Acting Deputy Commandant Mikkel Harris and Reserve Inspector Shawn Russell.
Last photo courtesy of Dexter Flood.
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