Police: person of interest in shooting was injured
One person being sought in connection with a shooting that claimed two lives this week was believed to be injured in the incident, police said today.
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith offered an update from the Bermuda Police Service as heightened patrols continued across the island.
It came after a woman aged about 33 and a man aged 29 were killed when shots were fired “indiscriminately” at people in Legends Bar in Somerset at about 10.30pm on Thursday.
The Bermuda Police Service on Friday released CCTV clips that showed four people wearing bike helmets who were thought to be linked to the case, and urged the public to make contact if they could identify them.
Mr Smith said in a video statement today: “Yesterday evening we released some footage to the public where we showed four persons of interest to this investigation.
“We thank you for the assistance that we have been receiving so far from members of the public and we thank and ask for your continued support as we continue to conduct inquiries into this matter.
“As a result of inquiries that have been conducted, we do believe that one of the men was injured during the incident.”
He urged residents who could identify any of the four captured on camera — and who knew that one had an injury — to contact police so that information could be passed on.
Mr Smith said: “The commitment of the Bermuda Police Service to bringing justice to the families of those who have been injured and [whose] lives have been lost — that commitment is unwavering.
“We thank you for your support and we ask for your continued support as we work to resolve this matter.
“We ask that if you can identify those four, and if you recognise one of them who might have an injury, we’re asking you to make contact with the senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns, who can be reached at 717-0921.”
He said information can also be provided through Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 or to any BPS staff.
Mr Smith noted that solving the case might “at least bring some measure of closure to those families that are now suffering”.
The BPS said this morning: “The Bermuda Police Service wishes to thank members of the public for their response, so far, to the video clip of the alleged suspects in the incident which occurred at Legends Bar, on Thursday night.
“However, we urge members of the public that should you recognise or are able to identify any of the persons in that video, do not attempt to take matters into your own hand and approach or confront them.”
Police assured residents who provided information: “Your help is making a difference.”
Public visibility of officers has been increased across the island in the wake of the incident on Thursday.
A BPS spokesman said that police will conduct “heightened patrols”, along with comprehensive liquor licence inspections and community engagement efforts throughout the weekend.
“Specialist teams, including the police support unit and gang task force, will continue to work with patrols and the roads policing unit to conduct 315F stop-and-search operations,” he added.
“This enforcement action has resulted in seven arrests, which included one for possession of a knife, one for dangerous driving by an underage driver and five for outstanding traffic warrants.
“The high-visibility presence outside bars and nightclubs helped ensure there were no reports of antisocial behaviour.”
Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, said: “I would like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation when approached by officers at checkpoints.
“While these checkpoints may be inconvenient, they are helping prevent untoward activity.”
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