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Shooting — Premier appeals for information

An unprecedented chase by gunmen that ended with a car crashing into the entrance of the Fairmont Southampton Hotel has brought an appeal for information from Premier and National Security Minister Michael Dunkley.

Shots were fired into the vehicle during Saturday’s chase which ended at 5.40pm with the black BMW going off the road.

The driver of the car was followed from St David’s but was not hit by any of the bullets.

He was was treated in hospital for injuries described as non life-threatening.

Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva has briefed Mr Dunkley on the hunt for the assailants, said to be two men dressed in white aboard a motorcycle.

Mr Dunkley called the chase “shocking”, adding that the community would be “justifiably concerned at such violence”.

He said he expected today to receive “a further update about the latest efforts being undertaken to arrest those involved”.

Mr Dunkley thanked police for mobilising “considerable resources” in the aftermath of the attack, including several roadblocks which closed off an extensive stretch of South Road spanning two parishes.

The Premier commended the public, especially Southampton and Warwick residents, for their patience with the investigation.

Mr Dunkley added: “At this stage, I want to encourage anyone who may have any information about [Saturday’s] shooting incident to please contact the Bermuda Police Service or CrimeStoppers. If you know something, say something.”

Today, Superintendent Martin Weekes sought to correct misapprehensions by the public that the incident had been a high-speed chase with shots fired throughout.

“At some point, the driver took detours around different roads to see if he was being followed,” Supt Weekes said. “Shooting took place around the Warwick Lane, Fairmont Southampton area.”

No arrests have been made, and police continue to review security footage from CCTV around the Island.

The brazenly public chase appeared to contribute to the cancellation of matches planned on Sunday at the Somerset Cricket Club, with the Bermuda Cricket Board citing “advice received pertaining to a heightened security risk in the wake of recent criminal activity”.

It was the second firearm incident in Southampton after a 17-year-old was shot and injured one week ago at nearby Riviera Crescent — the same housing estate where 29-year-old Erin Richardson was gunned down on April 23 of this year.

Shadow Public Safety Minister Walter Roban said it stood as “a clear reminder that much work remains to be done in keeping our young people and Bermuda safe”.

The Progressive Labour Party MP added: “A Bermuda where our young men can be shot on our streets, high speed chases with lethal weapons become the norm and where sporting and community events are forced to be cancelled due to threats of violence, is not the Bermuda any of us wants and we all have a role to play in restoring our safety and security.”

Mr Roban also called on Mr Dunkley to advise the public on the status of police security cameras that might have spotted the chase.

“While we know that it may not catch every incident, if not operational then it will not catch any,” Mr Roban said. “We deserve to feel safe in our country; our visitors deserve to feel safe on vacation.”

Supt Weekes thanked the public for their assistance, saying police had received several calls with information about the chase.

Anyone with possible details is asked call police at 295-0011. The confidential and anonymous Crimestoppers hotline can be reached at 800-8477.