Death of Lavonte Williams

Monday, June 29,2020

The Bermuda Police Service can now identify the victim in yesterday’s fatal marine incident as Lavonte Williams. Mr. Williams was thrown from his jet-ski while out on the Great Sound at about 7:00 p.m. on Sunday 28th June. He was taken by boat to the dock at Jews Bay, where a waiting ambulance conveyed him to the King Edward the VII memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the family of the deceased during this difficult time. The Bermuda Police Service extends its sincerest condolences to the relatives of Mr. Williams.

Statement from Commissioner of Police on DPP Decision

Thursday, June 25,2020

Following a complaint of serious sexual assault by a serving police against two other serving officers, a criminal investigation was commenced, alongside employment matters of gross misconduct to which the officers were suspended.  A file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Office for charging consideration.  An assessment by the DPP decided upon examination of all the evidence presented that there was not a realistic chance of prosecution in this matter beyond all reasonable doubt.  The officers subject to the criminal allegation have subsequently been informed, however they remain suspended and the BPS disciplinary process will make assessment to their behavior, a process that, unlike the criminal threshold, is based on the balance of probability. As Commissioner of Police I support all who make complaint of sexual assault, whether they be a police officer or member of the public of any ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.  We continue to look after the officer who made this complaint at this difficult time, with the provision of counselling and welfare support.  I understand the officer will now seek judicial review in regards to the DPPs decision which he is legally entitled to do.  In view of this action it would be inappropriate for the BPS to make any further comment until this process is completed.

Chaplain Bay Disturbance

Thursday, June 25,2020

The Bermuda Police is investigating a disturbance which occurred at Chaplin Bay, Warwick, at around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, 24th June. Police received a number of calls around that time, reporting a large group of individuals gathered in the area fighting, using helmets and throwing bottles. Upon police arrival, most of the individuals had already dispersed or were in the process of leaving the scene. Those spoken to, declined to provide any information to officers including members of the Criminal Investigations Unit, who attended the scene. Out of an abundance of caution and to provide reassurance to the Warwick community, police maintained a high visibility presence in the area. Police later received reports of a male arriving at King Edward VII Hospital with a stab wound to his arm. However, there is nothing to confirm the injured male was involved in the Chaplin Bay incident. He declined to provide any information to police as to how he sustained the injury.

Woman Seriously Injured in Machete Attack

Saturday, June 20,2020

Around 10:50pm 19th June, police responded to a report of a serious assault on a 33 yr-old female in the Cedar Hill Warwick area. Details are limited at this time however it was initially reported that the victim was in the yard of a private residence when she was set upon by a group of unknown individuals brandishing at least one machete. The victim was then conveyed to KEMH for treatment of her injuries which are deemed to be serious. The scene was processed by forensic officers and an investigation has commenced. Anyone who may have seen persons in the area acting suspiciously or has information to assist police, we are asking that you call 211 or the confidential Crimestoppers number 800-8477.

Murder Victim Identified as Mr. Joshua Rowse

Thursday, June 18,2020

The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 22-year-old Joshua Rowse. Mr. Rowse passed away at the King Edward the VII Memorial Hospital, after he fell victim to a brutal knife attack on Sunday 13th June, 2020, outside the Rubis Service Station on the South Shore Road in Warwick. Four men have now been taken into custody in connection with what is being investigated as the murder of Joshua Rowse. However, investigators would still like to hear from and speak with anyone who may have witnessed or have any information on this tragic incident, no matter how insignificant you may think it to be, to please contact Acting Detective Chief Inspector Kenten Trott on 717-2345, the main police number, 295-0011 or, 211.  Anyone wishing to give information anonymously, can do so by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477. A family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the Rowse family and the Bermuda Police service extends our sincerest condolences to them at this most difficult time.