Guttenberg Police Arrest Man in Fentanyl-Related Drug-Induced Death Investigation

Guttenberg police arrested a Ridgefield Park man March 2 in the fatal overdose of an eighteen-year-old woman nearly two years ago, authorities said.

Patrol officers responded to a medical emergency at a Guttenberg home at 4:42 p.m. May 10, 2024. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Unit concluded she had ingested fentanyl.

After months of reviewing evidence and tracking leads, investigators identified Joshua V. Burgos, 30, as the person who supplied the drug, police said.

Detectives took Burgos into custody at a Ridgefield Park residence. They seized unidentified pills, drug paraphernalia, and U.S. currency during the arrest.

Police said Burgos faces a charge of causing a drug-induced death. He was taken to the Hudson County jail to await a first appearance in Superior Court in Jersey City.

“I would like to commend the Detectives of the Guttenberg Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit for their dedication and hard work in solving this case. Their efforts are truly commendable and reflect a deep commitment to the work they do day in and day out, as well as their determination to keep Guttenberg’s residents safe. The work that they did was nothing short of remarkable. I would like to emphasize that the sale of illegal drugs, particularly the distribution of Fentanyl, which has led to numerous tragic and senseless losses of life in this county, will not be tolerated. Those who choose to distribute this harmful substance in Guttenberg can be assured that our Detectives will take all necessary steps to hold them accountable. I would like to thank the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Wayne Mello, for its assistance in this investigation,” Chief Frank Pelaez said.