All Quiet On The Western Front
[Updated] Rumours are flying around Bermuda at the speed of light that a shooting took place in the West End this evening [Aug 1]. The possible-shooting was rumoured to have taken place at various locations in Sandy’s including Woody’s, Boaz Island Gas Station, with the most frequently heard location appearing to be Prison Officers Club.
We have received numerous reports and understand the story is being rapidly passed around by many methods most notably BlackBerry messenger, and incorporates various different versions including one saying that it was a drive-by done on a jetski, with the victim being shot in the head.
We have personally checked a myriad of locations in Sandy’s and can report that there is no Police presence, crime scene tape or any other similar trappings that are normally seen post-shooting. Woody’s is still open, with patrons appearing to be enjoying themselves, as is Prison Officers Club. We asked two patrons at the Prison Officer’s Club if there was a fight or similar incident that may have predicated this rumour, to which they replied negatively. We also checked the known Western gang areas, and checked with our sources in the the region and, again, there is nothing to report.
The hospital shows no signs of having admitted a gun shot victim [there is normally a Police presence at the hospital after a shooting victim is brought in] and all indications seem to show that this shooting, may in fact, be a non-shooting. However at this stage [11:55pm], despite our best efforts, we have been unable to get an official Police statement on the matter, either denial or confirmation.
Update 12:22am: Police release official statement saying there was a “reported firearm incident” in Sandys, however “at that time nothing was found to substantiate the report.” Full statement follows below:
Around 7:40pm on Sunday, Police responded to a reported firearm incident in the Boaz Island, Sandys parish area. Officers attended the area; however at that time nothing was found to substantiate the report.
Inquiries at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital revealed that no one has been admitted with gunshot wounds. An investigation into the matter is underway. Any witnesses or anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the main Police number 295-0011 or the independent confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477.
