One man was shot dead and a fugitive, who was on the run for close to two years, arrested during a joint police/military operation yesterday in sections of West Kingston as the security forces opened the new year with a series of operations across the country.

In the first incident, 19-year-old Nickandy Thomas from Montego Bay was shot dead during a reported confrontation with the police minutes after midnight in Coffee Lane, Mount Salem, St James.

The Constabulary Communication Network reported that one Heckler and Koch 9 millimetre pistol, along with six rounds were taken from the man.

The Independent Commission of Investigations has since opened an investigation into the shooting.

Hours after that operation, a man who was on the police wanted list for over two years was held during another joint police/military operation in Wilton Gardens.

Terrence Bent, head of the West Kingston Police Division, said the man, who was wanted for several shootings, was held during a search on Collie Smith Drive and Third Street.

Up to press time, the police did not release the name of the suspect.

Yesterday's operation, in which a number of other young men were detained, drew scores of curious onlookers in the area.

"I was in my house this morning when all of a sudden me see a large group of police and soldier come to the area and start search," one female resident said, adding that she was not aware what the operation was about.