The Tribune

ey By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Staff Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net POLICE have arrested one man and are looking for two more in connection with the fatal shooting of a 47-year-old banker this weekend. The news of the arrest came with the announcement that detectives have closed a "considerable" number of the 18 homicides which have occurred so far this year. Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson yesterday defended the force's homicide detection rate. Mr Ferguson also said there has only been a slight increase in the number of homicides occurring during this same period last year, which was 15. "We are very pleased with our detection rate, particularly the homicides," Mr Ferguson said. "We have made significant progress in detection of armed robberies and other cases, so I can say that I think we are doing a pretty good job. "Detectives have solved some 11 armed robberies occurring over past three weeks." Mr Ferguson was speaking as detectives probe the shooting of Royal Bank of Canada worker Stephen Sherman. Mr Sherman was shot to death during an armed robbery outside his Yamacraw home shortly after 8pm Friday. Police believe the gunman got out of a silver Honda to rob Mr Sherman of his cell phone before he shot him and made his escape in the same car. It is believed someone else was in the getaway vehicle. Last night, police were questioning 21-year-old man about the incident, and they issued wanted bulletins for Jamal Smith and Kenneth Neely. Smith, 21, alias Slick, of Churchill Subdivision, has a dark brown complexion, is 5ft 7in tall with a slim build. Neely, 21, alias Swamper, of Resurrection Boulevard, has a similar complexion and physique with a height of 5ft 10ins. Police have also arrested suspects for two other recent killings, Mr Ferguson confirmed yesterday. A 19-year-old man is assisting police with their investigations into the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Deshante Bain on February 10. Mr Bain had just arrived at his Scott Street home when a man armed with a handgun opened fire on him late Friday evening. He was shot multiple times about the body and died on the scene. Police are questioning two men, aged 24 and 21, in connection with the "execution style" killing of 23-year-old Akyto Smith. Mr Smith, of Faith Gardens, was found bound and gagged with multiple gunshot wounds in the trunk of his car on Sir Milo Butler Highway on February 15. More than 200 officers participated in a widespread operation to crack down on crime and traffic offenders this weekend. The two-day strategic venture on Friday and Saturday was the result of last weekend's crime challenges which saw a spike in armed robberies and other serious matters. Mr Ferguson said: "The combined effort resulted in 241 fixed penalty notice being issued, 27 persons arrested on warrants, and 14 other arrests for various offences. Three persons were arrested for unlawful firearm possession, and 25 search warrants were executed." Anyone with information that may assist investigations is asked to contact police at 919, Central Detective Unit at 502-9991, or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.