Two Arrested in Connection with Gilford Avenue Shooting

Two individuals at large, wanted in connection with a June shooting at a in Toms River, were captured by U.S. Marshalls this week, officials said.

About a month after police identified two men allegedly involved in a shooting that left one man with multiple gunshot wounds at a Gilford Avenue party June 29, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced the arrest of James Bivins 3rd and Imere K. Meredith in connection with the shooting.

Meredith, 19, of Sawmill Road in Brick, is charged with the attempted murder of Kevin C. Gadson, a guest at the party. 

"Mr. Gadson was shot multiple times. His injuries were serious but not life threatening," said Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford in a prepared statement released this afternoon. "He has been released from the hospital, but he continues to receive treatment for these injuries."

Meredith has also been charged with possession of a firearm with the purpose to use it unlawfully, and possession of a handgun without a permit to carry.

, on the north side of Route 37, was the scene of a shooting 11:30 p.m. Friday June 29, where Toms River Police, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and the Ocean County Sheriff's Department sent personnel to investigate.

Police said a home on Gilford Avenue was hosting a 21-year-old's birthday party, when one young male was shot. Injured, he sought help at a neighboring home. A helicopter transported the victim to Jersey Shore Trauma Center.

"Numerous people were attending a 21-year old's birthday party when the shooting erupted," Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said at the time. "The victim ran to a neighbor's home looking for help."

Ford described the shooting as sudden, one that led to the abrupt departure of the party guests.

"The investigation revealed that the shooting occurred suddenly, at a birthday party being held at that location.  By the time police had arrived, the victim of the shooting, Kevin Gadson, had entered a neighboring home, seeking medical attention for his injuries," Ford said. "Police arranged for immediate medical attention, and the victim was transported to the hospital. By the time police had arrived, party attendees had dispersed and many had left the scene.  People left on foot as well as by vehicle."

Meredith was arrested Aug. 15 and has been at large since July 27, Ford said. He was located by police and placed under arrest in Neptune Township by a team from the US Marshall’s Service.

Meredith appeared before Judge Ronald Hoffman yesterday, where bail had previously been set by the Honorable Francis R. Hodgson in the amount of $250,000 all cash. Meredith is presently housed in the Ocean County Jail in default of bail.

A second arrest has been made in connection with the investigation of the shooting, with the arrest of Bivins, 19, of Lakewood, on weapons charges.

 “As a result of an investigation by law enforcement into an aggravated assault with a firearm, in which the victim, Kevin Gadson was shot multiple times, police developed information which supported filing weapons charges against a second man, James Bivins, 3rd.  Information developed by law enforcement placed Mr. Bivins at the scene of the shooting, where he was in possession of a .45 caliber handgun without a permit to carry," Ford said.

Charges were authorized to be filed against Bivins on July 18, but he has been at large since that time.

“Today, police successfully arrested Mr. Bivins and brought him into custody.  Bail has been set in the amount of $25,000 cash, no 10% option," Ford said.

Ford credited the work of several departments, particularly the Toms River Police Department, in the investigation leading to the arrests.

The investigation was the collaboration of the prosecutors office as well as Brick Township Police Department, Long Branch Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Criminal Investigation Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Major Crimes Unit and High Tech Crimes Unit, South Toms River Police Department and U.S. Marshall’s Service.

This is a continuing investigation.  Anyone with information can call Det. Raymond Gardner of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, 732-929-2027, or Toms River Township Detective Roger Hull at 732-349-0150.