Suspected gunman-on-the-loose Omari Gordon was yesterday warned: give yourself up now for everybody's safety — including your own.

It is now five days since Gordon is believed to have shot at Police following a chase across the back of town in the early hours of Saturday.

Detectives revealed yesterday that specialist trained Emergency Response Team officers are carrying firearms as they hunt for the fugitive, who disappeared in the Middletown area and is now believed to be harboured by friends or relatives.

At a press conference yesterday afternoon, Superintendent Paul Wright described Gordon as a threat to public safety "by virtue of the fact that this incident involved a firearm".

Detective Inspector Steven Lightbourne said the safety of the community, the Police and Gordon himself were all at stake as armed officers prepared for his sighting.

Det. Insp. Lightbourne said: "Everyone will be safe if he came in on his own."

Pembroke South East Progressive Labour Party MP Ashfield DeVent, who has repeatedly spoken out against gun crime in the area, told this newspaper last night: "I would implore that person to turn himself in.

"I'm sure the Police haven't taken too kindly to him shooting at one of their own. I'm sure all their resources at this point are focused on stopping this man.

"Once you start pointing the gun at people, you have a chance a gun could be pointed back at you. Your action has a reaction. Every action has a consequence."

Just hours before the shooting, Mr. DeVent had been in the House of Assembly telling politicians how gunshots were heard "somewhat often" in his constituency, which includes Middletown.

Mr. DeVent said last night: "It goes on. It goes on and on. I can only imagine that people now are feeling extremely cautious. Fortunately we did not see someone get hurt, but when people start firing guns innocent people get hurt."

There is said to be grave concern among Police officers following Saturday's incident.

Asked about his colleagues' thoughts on safety, Det. Insp. Lightbourne told The Royal Gazette: "All of us have this fear. We are all humans, especially if these guys are out working late hours in the dark.

"I haven't heard of any complaints by any officer being offended by this. It makes us pay more attention to what's going on. You see more firearms than ever before now."

He said he hoped Bermuda would not reach the stage where all officers need to be armed.

Saturday's incident was sparked when Police approached a motorcyclist believed to be Gordon as he drove very slowly with his lights off outside Club Vintage, Reid Street, at about 3 a.m.

He sped off, leading them on a chase across the back of town that ended in Middletown. He then ditched his bike and ran up an embankment, firing a single shot at the three officers as they ran after him.

It is thought Gordon — described by locals as a gang member but a follower rather than ringleader — had been on a mission of revenge against a rival who stabbed him in a fight some months ago.

Supt. Wright told the press conference the suspect had acted despicably and cowardly.

"That kind of behaviour is completely out of step with what this community expects from its young men. It's one we take very seriously indeed," he said."You can be assured that BermudaPolice Service is very focused in trying to speak to the suspect in this case."He urged family and friends to help by providing information about Gordon's whereabouts.Public Safety Minister David Burch broke his silence yesterday evening by releasing this statement: "This weekend's incident has been deeply concerning to the Government, particularly to me as Minister. And until this incident has been resolved, I want to encourage the public to remain vigilant."Residents have heard in recent days that all available resources have been focused on capturing the individual in question, and the public can be assured that the BPS is working around the clock to apprehend the suspect."Finally, I want to just remind members of the public that it is against the law to harbour a fugitive, and if found doing so, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. So, if anyone has any knowledge whatsoever on the whereabouts of the individual in question I am urging them to cooperate with the Police."Anyone with information should call the Serious Crime Unit on 299-4315 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.