The manager of a city cocktail lounge was fatally shot near his Woodlawn home after sprinting nearly a quarter-mile attempting to flee his attackers, police said.

Stepney Jerome Jones, 33, of the 7400 block of Lesada Drive, died of multiple gunshot wounds yesterday, Baltimore County police said.

A police spokesman said robbery was the probable motive for the slaying. Detectives searched the victim's apartment, bar and vehicle for possible clues. There are no suspects.

Jones and his unidentified girlfriend approached his apartment about 3:30 a.m., about 90 minutes after he closed the Short Stop bar and lounge in the 1400 block of Washington Blvd. in South Baltimore.

"At least three men were probably waiting for him inside the apartment building," police spokesman Bill Toohey said. The men wanted money and the keys to Jones' sport utility vehicle.

As Jones bolted from the building, the woman ran into the apartment, where she called police. Police said the victim ran about a quarter-mile before he was shot. Jones' body was found among parked cars at Fairbrook Park Apartments where he lived.

A resident at Fairbrook who requested anonymity described Jones as "cordial. This is a quiet community, kids aren't running around at all hours, loud music isn't booming."

Jones managed the Short Stop, a club that features weekly jazz entertainment and a large-screen television for sports viewing.

"It's a shock," said a South Baltimore resident who also requested anonymity. "He kept the club a very decent place, kept out riffraff. And he was a good neighbor. If anyone needed a hot shot for their battery, a favor, Step was there for you."

According to city liquor board records, Short Stop is owned by Bruce D. Bennett, who could not be contacted yesterday.

Pub Date: 11/11/98