by Nagra Plunkett, Assignment Coordinator

western bureau

Three men, one of whom investigators believe was the shooter in Sunday's murder of Sergeant Alan Lindsay in Montego Bay, has been taken into custody.

"We are of the opinion that one of them was directly involved in the murder of Sergeant Lindsay, as well as that of Constable Lewis," Superintendent Steve McGregor, commanding officer for the St. James Police Division, said yesterday.

"Today is a sad day. From last night into this morning we have been on the road."

Gunmen reportedly attacked Sergeant Lindsay shortly before 5 p.m. as he drove a marked police service car in the Dallas area of Glendevon. It is said that the gunmen also dragged the 53-year-old policeman, who was clad in his uniform, and took his service pistol, bullet-proof vest and helmet.

On November 1, Constable Cornel Lewis was gunned down in Mango Walk, Montego Bay.

"That area (of Glendevon) will be getting a lot of focus from the St. James police. We still will implore the citizens to assist us in the best way they can. If they don't assist us, we'll still do the job," stated Supt. McGregor.

Meanwhile, Minister of National Security Derrick Smith and Acting Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner Jevene Bent, visited Montego Bay where they met with members of the police division.

Mr. Smith told journalists that there are concerns about the sharp jump in murders committed in St. James, and Montego Bay in particular. At press time, 170 murders were reported in the western parish since January; eight less than the total recorded last year.

Some 51 homicides have been committed in St. James since October to date.