Two Wanted Men Arrested by Long Branch Police After Allegedly Firing Gun

By Christopher Sheldon

Two wanted city men were arrested by the Long Branch Police on Wednesday afternoon after they allegedly fired a gun and were subsequently pulled over.

Long Branch Officer Joseph Spitale was in the parking lot of police headquarters when he and another officer heard a gunshot in the area of Lippincott Avenue and Broadway.  

Long Branch Director of Public Safety Jason Roebuck said Spitale immediately responded to the area and saw a black Corvette leaving the area at a high rate of speed.  

Spitale stopped the vehicle and found that both occupants were wanted on outstanding warrants, Roebuck said.

The driver, Gamaliel Rivera, 42, had a non-support warrant and a suspended license. The passenger, Pedro Melchor, 25, also had a non-support warrant, and contempt of court warrants from Long Branch, West Long Branch, and Howell.  

Rivera and Melchor were arrested and police also found a small .22 caliber handgun in the car.

"Looking closer Spitale discovered a spent round in the chamber that was 'warm to the touch' and the smell of fresh gunpowder was still evident," Roebuck said.

Rivera was also charged with careless driving, possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, and certain persons not to have weapons. Monmouth County Judge Anthony Mellaci set Rivera’s bail at $250,000 and both subjects were transported to the Monmouth County Jail/. 

Spitale was assisted on the call by Sgt. Robert Shamrock, Officer George Olski and Officer George Samol.