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Two Suspects Arrested in Connection With Scaur Hill Double Murder

On Thursday, July 25th, 2024, the Bermuda Police Service Serious Crime Unit, supported by the Criminal Investigation, Gang Targeting and Police Support Units, executed two warrants in the Sandys Parish area. Two male suspects were arrested in connection with the ongoing investigations into the murders of Razi Garland and Amon Robinson. Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph of the Crime Division stated: “Our officers continue to work tirelessly to progress these serious matters, however, we need the continued support of our community. We are once again appealing for anyone with information, to please contact the Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Anneka Donawa on 717-2250 or, via email at adonawa@bps.bm.” You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477. Alternatively, please share the information with a police officer you know. No further information will be provided at this time.

Seizures Made Under Proceeds of Crime Act

On Saturday, July 20th, 2024, police along with the Department of Customs and other stakeholders, conducted a joint operation, at L.F. Wade International Airport. A 58-year-old Mexican National was arrested at LFW International Airport for money laundering offenses, after he was found in possession of a large quantity of cash.  He was also arrested in relation to investigations into other outstanding matters. The Bermuda Police Service Financial Crime Unit, assisted by the Tactical Division, Gang Targeting, and Drug Units, later executed Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) search warrants, at residences in Devonshire and Paget. More than 17 thousand dollars in cash was seized, and two persons arrested. The team also seized a quantity of controlled drugs and several high-value items, suspected to be the proceeds of criminal conduct. Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph of the Crime Division stated, “Laundering the proceeds of criminal conduct can cause significant social and economic harm to our community by fuelling organized crime networks.” “We will continue to work with our partners at L.F. Wade International Airport to detect, disrupt and dismantle Money Laundering operations." The BPS Specialists Investigations Department continues investigations into these matters. No further information will be provided at this time.

Car & Pedal Cycle Collision Seriously Injures Male Pedal Cyclist

Around 9:08 a.m. on Sunday, July 21st, 2024, police and other first responders were dispatched to a serious road traffic collision involving a motorcar and a pedal cyclist, on Pitts Bay Road near the junction with Mill Creek Road, Pembroke. Details are limited at this time, however, the male pedal cyclist reportedly sustained serious head injuries. He was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where at last check, he continued to receive treatment for those injuries. The female driver of the motor car was not reported to be injured. The scene of the collision is currently being processed and the roadway remains closed at this time. Anyone with information on this incident, is asked to contact PC 2578, Taylor on 515-2578 or via email at, ptaylor2@bps.bm. You may also call the main police number 295-0011.

Recruit Foundation Course 83 Passing Out Parade Recap

The Passing Out Parade for Recruit Foundation Course (RFC) 83 took place 4pm Thursday, 18th July 2024 at Police Headquarters in Prospect, Devonshire. 12 Constables, consisting of seven women and five men were on parade, accompanied by the Bermuda Island Pipe Band under the command of Pipe Major Aidan Stones. They were led by the Parade Commander and Drill Instructor Acting Chief Inspector Derrick Golding. The newest members of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) are: Constable 2600 Utsav Bansal Constable 2602 Rachel Benedict Constable 2603 Ashley Berkeley Constable 2605 Chante James Constable 2606 Amoy Johnson-Smith Constable 2607 Tyler Kendall Constable 2608 Holly Lavigne-Smith Constable 2609 Logan Alexander Constable 2610 Dragan Pavkovic Constable 2611 Suraj Nair Constable 2612 Tahirah Simmons Constable 2613 Jah-Kintae Williams Also of note: Constable Tyler Kendall is the grandson of a long serving member of the Bermuda Police Service, retired Chief Inspector Roger Kendall. Commissioner of Police Mr. Darrin Simons, on behalf of the men and women of the Bermuda Police Service, congratulated and welcomed the 12 new officers into the Bermuda Police Service family. Dignitaries in attendance included: Her Excellency the Governor, Ms. Rena Lalgie and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP. Both spoke at Thursday’s ceremony. Special guests in attendance included: Deputy Opposition Leader & Shadow Minister of National Security - The Hon. Mr. Benjamin Smith JP, MP Acting Permanent Secretary of National Security & Chief Fire Officer – Mr. Dana Lovell Acting Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment - Major Larenzo Ratteray, ED Honorary Colonel of The Royal Bermuda Regiment – Lt. Col. John David Gibbons O.B.E. (Mil), ED, JP Collector of Customs - Ms. Cindy Pearman Director of Public Prosecutions - Ms. Cindy Clarke, JP Acting Assistant Commissioner of Corrections – Mr. Gladwin Simons Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority - Mr. Jeffrey Elkinson Deputy Commandant of the Bermuda Reserve Police – Mr. Shawn Russell Mr. Michael Brangman – Centre Against Abuse There were several awards presented during the ceremony. The awards and recipients were: Athletic Awards - The Instructors Cup is an award that is given to the fastest male and female officer over the International 10 kilometre or 6 mile Flatts road running course. The Instructors Cup was presented to Constable Jah-Kintae Williams for the fastest time of 56 minutes and 49 seconds in the female category. The Instructors Cup was presented to Constable Tyler Kendall for the fastest time of 49 minutes and 22 seconds in the male category. All Round Athlete & Physical Fitness Awards Constable Jah-Kintae Williams (female). Constable Tyler Kendall (male). Deputy Commissioner’s Cup – This award is for the best effort on the course and the officer who has made the most significant progress. Awarded to Constable Jah-Kintae Williams. Charitable Presentation – It is a tradition of each Recruit Foundation Course to raise money in aid of a charity of their choice. All members of RFC 83 decided that the Centre Against Abuse would be the recipient of their charitable donation. A cheque for $1,613.35 was presented to Centre Against Abuse representative Mr. Michael Brangman by Constable Holly Lavigne-Smith. Academic Award – Awarded to Constable Tyler Kendall, who achieved an overall test average of 94% over 12 exams. Commissioner’s Shield – Awarded to Blue Syndicate, led by Training Centre staff member Constable Ronald Taylor; consisting of Constable Chante James and Constable Tyler Kendall. The award was collected by Constable Tyler Kendall. Baton of Honour Recipient: Constable Tyler Kendall – The Baton of Honour was presented by RFC 82 Baton of Honour recipient, Constable James Adams, to RFC 83 Constable Tyler Kendall, who was selected as the most distinguished student officer by the Training Centre staff.

Jahcari Francis Murder Investigation Remains Active 7 Years Later

Today, Friday, 19th July 2024, marks seven years since the murder of Jahcari Antoni Francis. At the time of his death, Jahcari was 20-years-old. He was fatally shot around 10:40pm Wednesday, 19th July 2017, inside an Upland Street, Devonshire home. At that time, three other persons were inside the residence with Jahcari. Those individuals were fortunate to be uninjured. Shortly after this callous killing, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) made an appeal for any witnesses that lived in the area, who might have heard the gunshots and/or saw the shooter, who was on a motorcycle, to come forward. Once again, as in previous years, we are renewing our appeal on the date of Jahcari’s murder. The investigative team is still looking to speak with two persons. One of them drove by seconds before the shooting and saw a motorcycle parked at the driveway to the residence where this homicide occurred. The second person was standing at the gate of Upland Street and Middle Road, Devonshire. This is critical to certain lines of enquiry. The investigation remains active and the BPS thanks the public for all assistance received so far. This ongoing appeal for more assistance is to help confirm key information, so that we can bring closure to the family of Jahcari and ensure those responsible for his murder are brought to justice. To provide any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please make contact with the Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith, on 717-0864 or jsmith2@bps.bm. In addition, information can be provided through the BPS online community reporting portal, https://portal.police.bm/. Alternatively, please call the independent and anonymous Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or submit confidential tips via their website, www.crimestoppers.bm.

Update: Hospital Treatment for Visitor After Rental Scooter Collision

A visitor received hospital treatment after the rental scooter she was riding collided with a section of wooden roadside railing around 11:10am Friday, 12th July 2024, along Middle Road in Southampton. Apparently the single vehicle collision occurred near Tribe Road Number 3, in the vicinity of Five Star Island, as the rental cycle was being ridden in the eastbound lane. It is understood that the 54-year-old visiting American woman involved sustained a broken arm, as well as abrasions about her body and was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance. Traffic diversions were in place for approximately half an hour, immediately following this collision. Inquiries continue and any witnesses are once again encouraged to call 211.

Update: Inquiries Continue Regarding 9th July Three Vehicle Collision

A Government van driver involved in a collision with two cars on Middle Road, near the junction with Longford Road in Warwick around 3pm Tuesday, 9th July 2024, was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving and later released from police custody, after he passed the alco-analyser test. The 64-year-old Sandys parish man was unhurt in the collision. The driver of one of the cars involved, said to be a 59-year-old Southampton woman, is understood to have been transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment of stiffness in her neck. The driver of the other car involved, said to be a 66-year-old Smith’s parish man, is understood to have been treated at the scene for an abrasion to his knee by emergency medical technicians, while a passenger in the same vehicle was apparently not hurt. It now appears that the Government van involved was being driven in the westbound lane of Middle Road and the two cars were being driven in the opposite direction along Middle Road, when the collision occurred. All three vehicles were damaged, with some traffic delays in the area for approximately one and a half hours, immediately following this collision. Inquiries continue and any witnesses that have not already come forward are encouraged to call 211.

BPS Commissioner Outlines Current Staffing Levels & Government Support

Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons - "Today, there are 360 officers in the Bermuda Police Service, including the 14 student officers who are still in training. No record, as far back to 1979, shows staffing levels this low and certainly not with our current gang challenges. Officer numbers need to rise in order for the BPS to effectively respond to violent firearm crime. Rest assured the women and men in the BPS remain committed to and focused on, their mission to make Bermuda safer. The BPS continues to work with The Minister of National Security, and government as a whole, to ensure we are adequately resourced to meet our mandate. To that end, with government’s approval, we are progressing both local and overseas recruitment. We are now engaged in the process of selecting recruits for our next training course. We anticipate starting this training course in November with 25 new officers. Last year Government provided funding for the purchase of ten cars. It is anticipated our fleet will be further enhanced with the purchasing of an additional seven cars later this year, through funding provided by the government. Our efforts will also be bolstered with the updated CCTV camera system, soon expected to be fully operational."

BPS Confirm Identities of 2 Young Men Killed in Scaur Hill Shooting

Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the identities of two young men who died following a verified firearm incident in the Scaur Hill, Sandys parish area that was reported around 6:05am Wednesday, 10th July 2024, as 18-year-old Razi Garland (pictured below left) and 19-year-old Amon Robinson (pictured below right). The BPS extends our sincere condolences to the families and friends of both young men. Two BPS Family Liaison Officers are providing relevant assistance to the families of each deceased teen. Their autopsies will be conducted in due course. The investigation regarding this double-murder is ongoing and the BPS is grateful to those persons that have already come forward to assist with inquiries. The Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), Detective Sergeant Anneka Donawa, is renewing the appeal for anyone with any information that can help establish what happened and who is responsible. SIO Donawa can be reached by calling 717-2250, or by e-mail at adonawa@bps.bm. Information can also be provided through the BPS online community reporting portal, https://portal.police.bm/. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be sent via the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or the Crime Stoppers Bermuda website, www.crimestoppers.bm. Once again, the BPS urges members of our community directly or indirectly affected by Wednesday’s senseless killing, or any other recent violent incidents, to please reach out to any of the relevant helping agencies for specialist assistance, if necessary.