Police take down alleged shooters; Charge man with gun and ammo possession & deny “fake news”

By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#TurksandCaicos, May 19, 2022 – Someone reported shots fired from a red car on Leeward Highway on Tuesday and that drew out at least three units of the Royal TCI Police.

The response resulted in an arrest of two men whom many captured on their cell phones plunked down on the ground with hands cuffed at the back.

At the time motorists and passersby had no clue what was going on but a police report issued later on Tuesday informed there was a reckless firing off of a gun from the car and it demanded the tactical unit and investigative department to the scene.

Trevor Botting, Police Commissioner informed: “The reported incident on the Leeward Highway where it is believed that a firearm was discharged recklessly, was responded to by a number of Police Units, including members of the Tactical Unit and Investigations Teams.”

It was around 12:20pm that the shots were heard, believed to have come from the red Suzuki Swift which was seen in photos and videos of the take down.

“A short time later, a vehicle was stopped and two persons arrested. A firearm and ammunition were subsequently recovered. I commend the work of the attending officers and those supporting in the Police Control Room for a coordinated and focused response. The officers and the staff of the RTCIPF remain committed and focused on protecting our communities and removing guns from the streets of the TCI.”

Five Cays Man faces gun and ammo charge

Police have identified the suspect arrested early Sunday morning, around 1:30am in the stop and search.

“This arrest and charges reflect the diligent and targeted work of officers who are working to keep our communities safe. We are committed to getting guns and those people who carry them off the streets and we are grateful for the support we are getting from the public. I urge you to tell us what you know about guns and gun crime to support us in fighting crime.”

The female said to be in the car, in the original report on the arrest, appears to have been exonerated.  She was not named in the update.

Police had informed that the male in the stop and search tossed and object over the car, that object was later identified as a gun, said the report.

Gino Bernadin of Five Cays will face the Magistrate to answer to charges of gun and ammunition possession.

No Truth to Police Sex Crimes Rumor

On Tuesday, Police also denied there was any truth to a report that senior officers were to be charged with serious sex crimes.

The statement said the Force was disgusted by the social media post.

Commissioner Trevor Botting said:  “I am frankly appalled that someone would circulate such a terrible untruth, an untruth that has no basis at all. Misinformation such as this was no doubt intended to discredit the Force and the hard working officers and staff within in and those responsible should hang their heads in shame.”

He also said he was glad people in TCI had the good sense not to believe the “fake news” item.

“Thankfully, most people on the TCI see through such disgraceful and divisive actions and continue to support policing in the work we do.”