By Doug Miller
Smith's arrest was a joint effort of the Long Beach Detective Division, the Street Crimes Unit and the New York City Police Department's 105th Precinct, Long Beach police said in a statement. Smith was arrested at the home of a family member in Laurelton, Queens.
According to police, Smith was chasing John Humphrey on foot at around 7 p.m. on Nov. 22 on the unit block of East Market Street, when Humphrey randomly sought shelter at one of the houses on the block. While Humphrey was on the porch of the house, ringing the doorbell, police said Smith fired four shots at him with a 9 mm handgun, one of which penetrated the wall of the house and hit Sloan, who was inside, in the groin.
Smith was charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree criminal use of a firearm and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned in Long Beach City Court on Tuesday and held without bail.
In a statement, Police Commissioner Thomas Sofield praised his department's efforts. "The Detective Division and the Street Crimes Unit did an outstanding job in the apprehension of this dangerous individual," Sofield said.
Information was not made available on Smith's age or address.
The investigation took a few turns from its origin in Long Beach to its conclusion in Queens, police said. "It was an exhaustive week-long investigation," said Detective Lt. Vincent Buscemi, head of the Detective Division, in a statement. "Detective Sgt. James Canner led the team from the Detective Division and the Street Crimes Unit, who followed numerous leads that took them to Hempstead, Roosevelt, Uniondale and Suffolk County. On Nov. 28, based on information developed, our investigation brought us to Laurelton, Queens, and our diligence paid off."
Sloan was described by friends as a man who frequently challenges and exposes the area's drug dealers and other criminals. In the 1990s his house was nearly burned down in what was believed to be retaliation for his activism, but police said last week that they believe his house was chosen by Humphrey randomly. A retired custodian in the Long Beach School District, Sloan was treated at South Nassau Communities Hospital and released. He could not be reached for comment.
Holiday enforcement
Long Beach Police Commissioner Thomas Sofield announced that his department would step up enforcement of traffic infractions during the holidays. The vigorous enforcement will begin this weekend and continue through the end of the year.
These actions will consist of increased enforcement by regular patrol, dedicated patrols and police roadblocks, with special attention given to DWI patrols.
"This program is being implemented in a continuing effort to provide safe roadways to the Long Beach community," Sofield said in a statement. "Have a happy holiday, but please remember, if you drink and drive, you'll lose."
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