NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A 25-year-old American tourist claims a man now wanted by police attacked her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances during a night out in New Providence.
Speaking exclusively to Eyewitness News from Ohio, Briana Bazel identified the 20-year-old man featured on a police wanted flyer issued Sunday as the watersports operator she alleges struck her in the face, leaving her with a busted lip.
Bazel says she first met the man on September 10 while visiting Goodman’s Bay Beach with a friend, where the pair rented jet skis from him.
She alleges that later that night, the watersports operator and another man , who Bazel says the operator described as his cousin and who she understood to be a taxi driver , picked up her and her friend from an eatery in the Bay Street area.
The group later visited a bar in Central New Providence.
Bazel claims that less than an hour after arriving at a bar on Palm Tree Avenue, the watersports operator asked her to step outside for a conversation because of the loud music.
Once outside, she alleges the man told her he wanted to have sex with her.
Bazel says she rejected the advance and attempted to walk away when he allegedly struck her in the face.
She claims the two men then drove away in a blue Honda Fit, with some of her personal belongings still inside the vehicle.
Bazel says another Bahamian man came to her aid and drove her and her friend to the Grove Police Station, where she filed a complaint.
Royal Bahamas Police Force Press Liaison Officer Chief Superintendent Sheria King confirmed to Eyewitness News that the matter was reported and remains under active investigation.
On Sunday evening, police issued a wanted flyer for a 20-year-old man wanted for causing harm.
Bazel identified the man pictured in that flyer to Eyewitness News as the person she alleges attacked her.
In June, the U.S. Embassy raised fresh concerns over jet ski operations in The Bahamas, citing injuries, fatalities and reported sexual assaults involving operators. The warning prompted the government to announce stronger enforcement measures, including stricter licensing requirements, identification badges, spot checks and beach marshals.
