Video: Police On Firearms Incident

[Updated] “This is not the first time that officers have been shot at. But this is the first time, that in performance of their duty, BPS officers have discharged lethal weapons at another person,” the police said following the recent firearm incident

Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons said, “Shortly after midnight on Saturday, August 24, 2024, police officers were responding to an incident near Khyber Pass in Warwick. As they approached the junction with Quarry Lane, they observed two males riding a motorcycle heading south along Khyber Pass. The passenger discharged a firearm at our officers.

“In response, the officers pursued the suspects in attempt to stop them. The rider lost control of their motorcycle and in the course of this encounter our officers discharged their weapons. The suspects managed to escape on foot.

“This is not the first time that officers have been shot at. But this is the first time, that in performance of their duty, BPS officers have discharged lethal weapons at another person.

“I want to stress that, thankfully, there are no reports of injury resulting from this incident. I met with the officers involved on the evening in question, and I’m grateful to say they are doing well, considering the circumstances.

“An investigation is now underway, led by our Serious Crime Unit. Additionally, we have initiated our Post-Incident Procedures, which is standard protocol whenever firearms are discharged, excluding training scenarios. This process is designed to thoroughly examine our police response and use of firearms. We have also notified the Police Complaints Authority, which provides independent oversight of our actions. Further information on the investigation will be shared by CI Burns later.

“I must emphasize: it is absolutely reckless to shoot at the police. The offender puts his life at the ultimate risk. Such actions not only place the officers in extreme danger but also endanger bystanders and the community at large.

“The Bermuda Police Service is equipped and trained to effectively respond to these threatening situations. For over 25 years, we have been professionalizing our firearms training and capability. I am committed to maintaining our ability to respond to emergencies and have ensured that the number of firearms officers on patrol remains consistent, even as resources have declined.

“Rest assured, there are dedicated teams of officers working tirelessly to deter, disrupt, and apprehend those gang members who show a wanton disregard for our community’s safety. This includes making arrests, executing warrants, and ensuring that gang members face justice in our courts for their criminal acts. ACOP Daniels will provide some additional information.

“I ask for the continued support of our community. Working together, we can make a difference. If you know something, please say something. Your information is vital in helping us keep Bermuda safe.”

Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns said, “I can confirm that Officers from the Serious Crime Unit have commenced an investigation into this firearms incident. A crime scene investigator from our forensic support team examined the scene. The motorcycle ridden by the suspects has been recovered as well as other items that will be forensically processed. We have recovered multiple shell casings from the scene, that confirm different weapons were fired. Investigators have spent the weekend making enquiries in the area talking to area residents and searching for any CCTV that may have captured the incident. I would like to thank all residents who have assisted us thus far.

“As we actively continue the investigation, I want to remind everyone that the individuals who fired at police are currently at large. This was a dangerous and reckless act that placed the lives of our officers and nearby residents at significant risk. I encourage anyone with information to contact the Senior Investigating Officer [SIO] heading the investigation, Supt Sherwin Joseph at 717-2158 or email him at jsherwin@bps.bm. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers at 800-8477 or contact/speak with an officer who you know and trust.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face every day and the importance of community partnerships in maintaining public safety. We urge the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or activity to the police.”

Assistant Commissioner Antoine Daniels said, “I recognise that some within our community will say; that the police response often appears reactionary, as opposed to being more proactive.

“Notwithstanding officers cannot everywhere all of the time, the BPS has placed a heavy emphasis on deploying officers in areas where the highest threat is likely

“We’ve conducted a number of successful pre-planned and pro-active operations with huge success in recent months, this includes;

• “The seizure of millions of dollars what is believed to be funds gained via unlawful means

• “Multiple large drug seizures

• “The arrest and charging before the courts of drug and firearms suspects, together with

• “The recovery of 8 operational firearms since last December, one of which is linked to multiple confirmed shootings since 2009. [March 4]

“As we continue to execute these operations, particularly those involving traffic check points, I am seeking residents corporation in exercising the necessary patience and restraint, as some of the more highly visible tactics may impact you, as some of you may have already experienced as you move about the Island

“There will continue to be increased patrols in affected areas, particularly those deemed Hotspots and where various communities have been impacted by recent incidents of violence or other traumatic incidents

Policing Response

“As just noted from Commissioner of Police Mr Simmons, Bermuda continues to navigate through a difficult period of firearms use and senseless violence;

“As I’ve already said during previous press releases that; to date we have experienced 7 murders since Bermuda Day 2024, 3 of those with the use of a firearm

“An example of the community experiencing overall trauma

“Over this past weekend alone we’ve suffered;

• “An officer involved shooting incident — thankfully no one was injured
  • “This was our 14 confirmed firearms incident of the year vs [8 in 2023]
  • “Which is a real concern for our small island community

• “Sadly on Saturday night we experienced our 5th Road Traffic Fatality – when a 50 year old male lost his life in a single vehicle motor cycle collision

• “Additionally 20 motor cycles were stolen from various locations around the Island in a two day period

“Tackling criminal gangs is the number one priority for The Bermuda Police Service. We continue to evolve our operational response plans with two key themes of;

• “targeting those persons most likely to cause and commit violent acts as well as
• “providing community reassurance

“There continue to be teams dedicated to targeting those suspected of committing violence

“These teams has been in place for majority of the summer with great success as I have highlighted above

“In closing I take the opportunity to thank those persons who have provided assistance to the police to date as well as those police officers who continue to show/show out every day

“It is incumbent upon the community to stand together and support each other when faced with those bent on destabilizing our society. The Bermuda Police Service continues to be encouraged by those willing to do that. Without information from our communities we have only part of the picture. The more complete our sight picture is, the better we are able to direct our own activity to those areas with the greatest need, continuing to arrest and convict those who cause the greatest harm. Thank you.”

Update Aug 28, 9.17am: A Bermuda Police Association [BPA] spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Association notes with great concern the reckless and criminal actions of the two individuals who senselessly shot at our officers while they were responding to a call for service to protect members of the public. The Association condemns this cowardly act and stands in full support of the officers and ranks on file.

“This unprovoked act of hostility serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that members of the BPA face while protecting the public.

“We commend the bravery of the officers who, despite being shot at, stood their ground and ensured the safety of the public. Their dedication to duty and professionalism is truly inspiring and deserves our utmost respect.

“The BPA fully supports these officers and any other officers who are attacked while carrying out their lawful duties. We are committed to ensuring that these officers’ welfare is taken care of and will do everything in our power to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“The members of the BPA remain unwavering in their commitment to protect the public against such lawless individuals. We will not be deterred by these criminal-minded individuals; instead, we are redoubling our efforts to ensure the safety of the public while safeguarding the welfare of our valued officers.

“We join with the Bermuda Police Service in asking the public to report any information that could assist in this investigation. We are grateful for your support and cooperation. You can do so by calling 211, speaking to a police officer you know, calling the Confidential Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-8477, or alternatively visiting the BPS online community reporting portal at portal.police.bm to submit your anonymous tip regarding the shooting.”

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