NASSAU,BAHAMAS- Brian Hooker, the husband of missing American woman Lynette Hooker, is "heartbroken and deeply distressed" while in police custody in Grand Bahama in connection with her disappearance, according to his attorney, Terrel Butler, who is also requesting urgent medical attention for her client. 

Butler said Hooker is in an extremely fragile emotional state, describing him as overwhelmed by grief and frustration over his inability to continue assisting in the search for his wife of 25 years.

The attorney also raised concerns about an incident that allegedly occurred during Hooker’s arrest and subsequent police operation at sea. According to Butler, Hooker was transported by boat to his vessel, the Soulmate, in heavy rain and strong winds as part of a search effort. She said he remained in handcuffs despite the dangerous sea conditions. While moving across the wet and unstable deck while carrying a bundle of clothes, Butler said Hooker lost his footing and fell overboard. She said he was submerged in cold water, took in seawater, and was later rescued by police after his life jacket brought him back to the surface. Butler said Hooker sustained a knee injury and visible abrasions from the fall, causing him to limp. She said she immediately requested urgent medical attention for her client after being informed of the injuries, and formally notified police officers on duty. According to Butler, police have assured that Hooker will be transported to Rand Memorial Hospital for treatment and a full medical assessment. The investigation into Lynette Hooker’s disappearance remains ongoing. Police said Lynette Hooker was reported missing on Saturday night, after allegedly falling overboard while traveling on an 8-foot dinghy to Elbow Cay. Her husband, Brian, then paddled to shore and alerted someone about her disappearing around 4, Sunday morning.  Search and rescue efforts were later transitioned into a recovery operation as authorities continued probing the case.

Butler said Hooker is in an extremely fragile emotional state, describing him as overwhelmed by grief and frustration over his inability to continue assisting in the search for his wife of 25 years.

The attorney also raised concerns about an incident that allegedly occurred during Hooker’s arrest and subsequent police operation at sea.
According to Butler, Hooker was transported by boat to his vessel, the Soulmate, in heavy rain and strong winds as part of a search effort. She said he remained in handcuffs despite the dangerous sea conditions.

While moving across the wet and unstable deck while carrying a bundle of clothes, Butler said Hooker lost his footing and fell overboard. She said he was submerged in cold water, took in seawater, and was later rescued by police after his life jacket brought him back to the surface.

Butler said Hooker sustained a knee injury and visible abrasions from the fall, causing him to limp.

She said she immediately requested urgent medical attention for her client after being informed of the injuries, and formally notified police officers on duty. According to Butler, police have assured that Hooker will be transported to Rand Memorial Hospital for treatment and a full medical assessment.

The investigation into Lynette Hooker’s disappearance remains ongoing.

Police said Lynette Hooker was reported missing on Saturday night, after allegedly falling overboard while traveling on an 8-foot dinghy to Elbow Cay.
Her husband, Brian, then paddled to shore and alerted someone about her disappearing around 4, Sunday morning. 

Search and rescue efforts were later transitioned into a recovery operation as authorities continued probing the case.

I have been briefed on two separate fatal incidents involving off-duty police officers over the weekend. One matter concerns the tragic death of an American national. The second concerns a confrontation in which, according to the early police account, a man allegedly attacked an officer. Each case must be investigated on its own facts.

Ann and I extend our condolences to family and friends of those involved.

I have asked for a full and transparent investigation, and where the evidence supports criminal charges, the law must move swiftly. The badge can never place anyone above the law.

This moment also requires action beyond these cases. We must review the rules governing off-duty carriage of firearms, strengthen de-escalation standards, and examine less-lethal options for our law enforcement agencies so officers have stronger tools to protect life wherever possible.

I have been briefed on two separate fatal incidents involving off-duty police officers over the weekend. One matter concerns the tragic death of an American national. The second concerns a confrontation in which, according to the early police account, a man allegedly attacked an officer. Each case must be investigated on its own facts. Ann and I extend our condolences to family and friends of those involved. I have asked for a full and transparent investigation, and where the evidence supports criminal charges, the law must move swiftly. The badge can never place anyone above the law. This moment also requires action beyond these cases. We must review the rules governing off-duty carriage of firearms, strengthen de-escalation standards, and examine less-lethal options for our law enforcement agencies so officers have stronger tools to protect life wherever possible.

Protect your vehicle, all vehicles are at risk. 

For more infromation contact Criminal Investigations Department 502-9976/9938.

Criminal Investigations Department 502-9976/9938Criminal Investigations Department502-9976/9938

 

The Ministry of National Security brought together stakeholders in a comprehensive training session to combat firearms trafficking deemed a threat to countrywide stability.

The training programme is facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through its Global Firearms Programme, in collaboration with CARICOM IMPACS and with the support of Germany.

Minister of National Security the Hon. Wayne Munroe delivered the Keynote Address during the Opening Ceremony on Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Paul Farquharson Centre, Royal Bahamas Police Force Headquarters.

In underscoring the importance of the Firearms Trafficking and Criminal Justice Training programme, Mr. Munroe said that it is a “critically important training on combating illicit firearms trafficking.

“These weapons fuel gang violence, empower criminal enterprises, and undermine the rule of law. In The Bahamas, as across the Caribbean, we are determined to confront this threat with every tool at our disposal.”

The programme attracted investigators, analysts, prosecutors, customs officers, immigration officers, policy makers, and international partners.

Regarded as pieces of the puzzle, they were told that the illegal movement of firearms is not a single-agency problem. “It is a complex threat that fuels violence, empowers criminal organizations, and undermines the safety of our communities. It bridges the gap between transnational crime and local tragedy.”

The four-day training programme dove deep into the latest trends, typologies, and trafficking techniques. Presenters explored intelligence-led strategies, forensic tools, and successful prosecution models. They also examined successes, challenges, and opportunities through knowledge exchange and best practices.

Permanent Secretary Cecilia Strachan, Ministry of National Security and the Registrar General’s Department highlighted the objectives of the training.

They are:

1. To enhance understanding of the evolving landscape of illicit firearms trafficking;

2. To sharpen investigative and analytical tools to disrupt trafficking networks at every level; and,

3. To forge and strengthen the partnerships that comprise the country’s greatest force multiplier.

Mr. Munroe stressed that the programme is designed to enhance the capacity of law enforcement, judiciary and border control agencies.

“This training will equip our uniformed branches and judiciary personnel with advanced skills in firearms’ identification, detection, intelligence analysis, investigative techniques, and international cooperation. Knowledge is power and the knowledge gained … will directly strengthen our frontline response,” he said.

The minister also formally accepted a donation of surveillance drones from UNODC.

“This modern technology will be integrated into our existing security strategies by serving as a force multiplier for our security forces.

“These drones will work in collaboration with other crime fighting techniques and enhance our ability to monitor our vast borders and coastal areas, interdict illicit shipments, and gather vital intelligence, all while improving officer safety. This donation is a testament to innovative and practical partnership,” he said.

The minister explained that the equipment aligns perfectly with the national security objectives and the government’s commitment to regional frameworks such as the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit and the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap.

“Further, it helps our nation to build a more resilient, coordinated and technically proficient regional front against the trafficking of illicit firearms,’ he said.

Also present were: Commodore Floyd Moxey, Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; Robert Rodriguez Codesal, Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime; and Taj Cassells, Analyst, CARICOM IMPACS, and other officials.

 The Ministry of National Security brought together stakeholders in a comprehensive training session to combat firearms trafficking deemed a threat to countrywide stability. The training programme is facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), through its Global Firearms Programme, in collaboration with CARICOM IMPACS and with the support of Germany. Minister of National Security the Hon. Wayne Munroe delivered the Keynote Address during the Opening Ceremony on Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Paul Farquharson Centre, Royal Bahamas Police Force Headquarters. In underscoring the importance of the Firearms Trafficking and Criminal Justice Training programme, Mr. Munroe said that it is a “critically important training on combating illicit firearms trafficking. “These weapons fuel gang violence, empower criminal enterprises, and undermine the rule of law. In The Bahamas, as across the Caribbean, we are determined to confront this threat with every tool at our disposal.” The programme attracted investigators, analysts, prosecutors, customs officers, immigration officers, policy makers, and international partners. Regarded as pieces of the puzzle, they were told that the illegal movement of firearms is not a single-agency problem. “It is a complex threat that fuels violence, empowers criminal organizations, and undermines the safety of our communities. It bridges the gap between transnational crime and local tragedy.” The four-day training programme dove deep into the latest trends, typologies, and trafficking techniques. Presenters explored intelligence-led strategies, forensic tools, and successful prosecution models. They also examined successes, challenges, and opportunities through knowledge exchange and best practices. Permanent Secretary Cecilia Strachan, Ministry of National Security and the Registrar General’s Department highlighted the objectives of the training. They are: 1. To enhance understanding of the evolving landscape of illicit firearms trafficking; 2. To sharpen investigative and analytical tools to disrupt trafficking networks at every level; and, 3. To forge and strengthen the partnerships that comprise the country’s greatest force multiplier. Mr. Munroe stressed that the programme is designed to enhance the capacity of law enforcement, judiciary and border control agencies. “This training will equip our uniformed branches and judiciary personnel with advanced skills in firearms’ identification, detection, intelligence analysis, investigative techniques, and international cooperation. Knowledge is power and the knowledge gained … will directly strengthen our frontline response,” he said. The minister also formally accepted a donation of surveillance drones from UNODC.   “This modern technology will be integrated into our existing security strategies by serving as a force multiplier for our security forces. “These drones will work in collaboration with other crime fighting techniques and enhance our ability to monitor our vast borders and coastal areas, interdict illicit shipments, and gather vital intelligence, all while improving officer safety. This donation is a testament to innovative and practical partnership,” he said. The minister explained that the equipment aligns perfectly with the national security objectives and the government’s commitment to regional frameworks such as the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit and the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap. “Further, it helps our nation to build a more resilient, coordinated and technically proficient regional front against the trafficking of illicit firearms,’ he said. Also present were: Commodore Floyd Moxey, Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; Robert Rodriguez Codesal, Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime; and Taj Cassells, Analyst, CARICOM IMPACS, and other officials.