https://www.guttenbergnj.org/Departments/police-department

Guttenberg Police Department, 6808 Park Avenue, Guttenberg, NJ (2026)

04/14/2026

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at approximately 8:38 AM, Police Officer Lesley Avila was conducting traffic enforcement in the area of 68th Street and Kennedy Boulevard. During this time, she observed a Tesla traveling northbound on Kennedy Boulevard, driven by Javier Martinez-Moncada, a 41-year-old male of North Bergen, who was using his cell phone while operating the vehicle [39:4-97.3]. P.O. L. Avila initiated a traffic stop for the Title 39 Violation.

As she approached the vehicle, she noticed the driver extending his hands outside the driver's front window. Inside the vehicle was a female passenger, who was later identified as the registered owner of the vehicle, and a juvenile. P.O. Karleigh Noll arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and assisted P.O. L Avila. After collecting Martinez-Moncada's driver's license and documentation, officers conducted a records check. They discovered that Martinez-Moncada had an active traffic warrant out of the Guttenberg Municipal Court for $550.

P.O. K. Noll assisted P.O. L. Avila in arresting Martinez-Moncada due to an outstanding warrant. During the arrest, Martinez-Moncada told the officers in Spanish that he had a firearm in his vehicle. Following this information, the occupants of the vehicle were ordered to exit. The North Bergen Police Department was contacted to confirm whether Martinez-Moncada had an active Fi****ms Identification Card or a Concealed Carry Permit. They verified that he did not possess either in the State of New Jersey. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, resulting in the discovery of a Smith & Wesson SD40 VE .40 caliber handgun, which was equipped with a high-capacity magazine containing one 9mm Luger round.

Martinez-Moncada was arrested and transported to the Guttenberg Police Department for processing. Martinez-Moncada was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon [2C:39-5b(1)], Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose [2C:39:4a(1)], Violation of Firearm Regulations [2C:39-10a(1)], Manufacture, Transport, Disposition and Defacement of Weapons [2C:39-9d], Manufacture, Transport, Disposition and Defacement of Weapons, [2C:39-9h], Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons [2C:39-7b(3)]. Martinez-Moncada was issued one traffic summons for use of wireless telephone, electronic communication device in moving vehicles [39:4-97.3].

Javier Martinez-Moncada was remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Center, pending his first appearance in Hudson County Superior Court in Jersey City.

Message from Chief Frank Pelaez: I would like to commend Police Officer Lesley Avila for her proactive efforts, as well as all the officers who assisted in this arrest. P.O. L. Avila's actions reflect the dangerous work that officers undertake day in and day out. She successfully took an illegal firearm off the street, demonstrating her commitment to proactive policing. I want to thank her for her professionalism and dedication to keeping Guttenberg safe.

The charges above are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty in a court of law.

03/17/2026

Detective Frank Dubicki Jr - Guttenberg Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year.

Since joining the Detective Bureau in July 2025, Detective Frank Dubicki has made a significant impact. His hard work and dedication to solving crimes are commendable. He has devoted countless hours to his investigations and provides tremendous support to his fellow detectives, always willing to lend a hand. His commitment to learning and assisting others is evident in his daily work ethic. He arrives each day with a positive attitude and a determination to perform at the highest level, making him an invaluable asset to the department. His proactive approach reflects his passion for serving and protecting the community.

Det. F. Dubicki has played a crucial role in several high-profile arrests, demonstrating his commitment to tackling complex and challenging investigations. His willingness to take on difficult cases not only highlights his investigative skills but also underscores his dedication to pursuing justice. His efforts greatly enhance community safety and well-being.

Det. F Dubicki exemplifies the principles of proactive policing through his outstanding service in 2025. His strategic approach to crime prevention and community engagement sets a benchmark for what it means to be a forward-thinking law enforcement officer.

Additionally, Det. F. Dubicki serves as a Field Training Officer and a department range instructor.

Thank you, Det. F. Dubciki, for your hard work and dedication.

03/05/2026

On Friday, May 10, 2024, at approximately 4:42 p.m., Patrol Officers from the Guttenberg Police Department responded to a medical emergency at a private residence in the Town of Guttenberg. Upon arrival, the Patrol Officers found the victim, an 18-year-old woman, who was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. There were indications of a possible drug overdose, prompting the response of Detectives from the Guttenberg Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit. On scene, Guttenberg Police Detectives determined that the victim had ingested a substance that led to her death.

The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Guttenberg Police Department launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death and the related drug activity. After months of investigation, Detectives concluded that the controlled dangerous substance responsible for the victim’s death contained Fentanyl. After months of following leads and reviewing evidence, Guttenberg Police Detectives identified Joshua V. Burgos, a 30-year-old from Ridgefield Park, NJ, as the person who distributed the lethal dose of narcotics to the victim.

On Monday, March 2, 2026, Detectives from the Guttenberg Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit arrested Joshua V. Burgos at a residence in Ridgefield Park, NJ. During the arrest, the Detectives discovered numerous pills of an unknown nature, along with drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency.

As a result of the investigation, Joshua V. Burgos was arrested and charged with first-degree Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-9. Joshua V. Burgos was remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Center pending his first appearance in Hudson County Superior Court in Jersey City, NJ.

Message from Chief Frank Pelaez: 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.

If anyone has any information pertaining to this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Guttenberg Police Department at 201-868-3300 or email:

1. Det. Andres Lozano [email protected]

The charges above are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty in a court of law.

01/09/2026

Chief F. Pelaez wishes to express his gratitude to all Guttenberg Police Officers, as well as law enforcement officers across the county, state, and country, for their hard work and professionalism. Their dedication and commitment to serving the Guttenberg community and their respective communities deserve recognition. Thank you for all that you do!

01/06/2026

This evening, at the Town of Guttenberg Council meeting, two Special Law Enforcement Officer Class II (SLEO II) were promoted to full-time Police Officers.

P.O. Andy Reynoso
P.O. Lesley Avila

Mayor Wayne D. Zitt swore in P.O. V. Acosta and P.O. J. Negron, and recent SLEO II graduates of the Hudson County Police Academy. The new SLEO II Officers are A. Sibri, R. Minaya, and M. Percella. Additionally, our newest Special Law Enforcement Officer Class I (SLEO I), A. Vassell, A. Ortiz, and J. Smith, were also sworn in.

During the ceremony, the Guttenberg Police Department was awarded the prestigious FBI-LEEDA Agency Trilogy Award. This highly regarded recognition is conferred upon law enforcement agencies whose entire Command Staff have completed the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Leadership Series, which encompasses the Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, and Executive Leadership Institute.

Under the leadership of Chief Frank Pelaez, the Command Staff of the Guttenberg Police Department, which consists of the chief of police, two lieutenants, and two sergeants, has committed itself to advanced leadership training. This training significantly enhances their ability to serve both their officers and the community with integrity, transparency, and professionalism.

Chief Frank Pelaez would like to thank his Command Staff for their hard work day in and day out. He also would like to congratulate the newly promoted and sworn-in officers and extend his appreciation to Mayor Wayne D. Zitt Jr. and the Town Council for their ongoing support of the Guttenberg Police Department.

01/05/2026

In December 2025, the command staff of the Guttenberg Police Department selected Police Officer Frank Dubicki Jr. as Officer of the Month. On December 23, 2025, P.O. F. Dubicki was approached by a man who reported that two individuals armed with a handgun and a knife had attempted to rob him inside his business. The victim led P.O. F. Dubicki to a nearby gas station, where one of the suspects was located and taken into custody. Shortly afterward, the second individual was also apprehended without incident. P.O. F. Dubicki displayed remarkable bravery and courage when confronting a potentially dangerous situation to apprehend two armed individuals, successfully doing so without any injuries. This incident highlights his exceptional resilience and quick thinking in high-pressure scenarios. P.O. F. Dubicki’s effective response demonstrates his dedication and professionalism in ensuring the safety of the community.

01/02/2026

Thank you to for their generosity in sending a New Year’s Fruit Basket to our officers who are working today.

Chief F. Pelaez would like to express his gratitude to all the GPs staff for their support of the men and women of the Guttenberg Police Department.

We appreciate it!

01/01/2026

The Guttenberg Police Department will have extra officers on duty tonight to ensure everyone celebrating the New Year stays safe. If you plan to celebrate tonight, please do not operate a vehicle while impaired. Please arrange for a designated driver or a ride-sharing service to get you safely to your destination.

Chief F. Pelaez would like to thank all the officers who are working tonight for their service and dedication to the Town of Guttenberg.

Chief F. Pelaez and the entire Guttenberg Police Department would like to wish everyone a Happy and safe New Year.

12/26/2025

On December 23, 2025, Police Officer Frank Dubicki Jr. was on patrol in the area of Kennedy Boulevard when a man flagged him down. The man reported that two individuals had entered his business on the 6800 block of Kennedy Boulevard, armed with a knife and a handgun, and had attempted to rob him. The victim directed P.O. F. Dubicki to a nearby gas station, where one of the suspects was seated inside a pickup truck. P.O. F. Dubicki instructed Carlos J. Hernandez of Wallington, NJ, who was inside the pickup truck, to exit the vehicle. Hernandez was taken into custody without incident by P.O. F. Dubicki. Shortly after, P.O. F. Dubicki observed Crismar Vasquez of West New York, NJ, the second man involved in the incident, walking toward the gas station and approaching the pickup truck. P.O. F. Dubicki took Vasquez into custody without incident.

Carlos J. Hernandez was charged with Robbery [2C:15-1a(2)], Conspiracy to Commit Robbery [2C:5-2a(1)], [2C:15-1a(2)], Unlawful Possession of a Weapon - Handgun without a Permit [2C:39-5b(1)], Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons or Ammunition [2C:39-7], Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose [2C:39-4a(1)], and Carrying a Handgun Openly [2C:58-4.5b].

Crismar Vasquez was charged with Robbery [2C:15-1a(2)], Conspiracy to Commit Robbery [2C:5-2a(1)], [2C:15-1a(2)], and Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, [2C:39-4d].

After completing their arrest processing, Hernandez and Vasquez were issued their complaint warrants and were then lodged in the Hudson County Correctional Center.

Officers of the Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Unit immediately began gathering surveillance footage from the area and, as a result, applied for a search warrant for the vehicle.

On December 25, 2025, following the approval of a Superior Court authorized search warrant, members of the Guttenberg Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit recovered a R***r Max 9 handgun chambered in 9mm, with a high-capacity magazine, with hollow-point and full-metal jacket ammunition, and a Mace Pepper Gun within the vehicle. Upon recovery of this evidence, new charges were drafted. Carlos J. Hernandez was also charged with Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes - Imitation Firearm [2C:39-4e], and Crismar Vasquez was charged with Violations of the Regulatory Provisions Relating to Fi****ms [2C:39-10a(1)], Possession of a High Capacity Magazine [2C:39-3j], Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition [2C:39-3f], Unlawful Possession of a Weapon - Handgun without a Permit [2C:39-5b(1)] and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons or Ammunition [2C:39-7].

Message from Chief Frank Pelaez: I want to take a moment to commend Police Officer Dubicki for his professionalism and bravery. Entering a dangerous situation and successfully apprehending two individuals without incident is genuinely remarkable. The dedication and hard work of our Police Officers make me incredibly proud. Their commitment to keeping our community safe is commendable, and I am extremely grateful for all they do.

I want to express my gratitude to the members of our Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Patrol Division for their dedicated efforts in solving this case. Rest assured; the Guttenberg Police Department will continue to work diligently to ensure our community remains a safe place for everyone.

I would also like to thank and express my gratitude to the West New York Police Department, and to the Hudson County Sheriff's Office for their assistance throughout this incident.

If anyone has any information pertaining to this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Guttenberg Police Department at 201-868-3300 or email:

1. Lt. Steven Diaz [email protected]
2. Det. Sgt. Marcin Rysiec [email protected]

The charges above are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty in a court of law.

12/25/2025

Chief Frank Pelaez would like to thank for their generosity in providing a Christmas Meal to members of the department working today. We appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness toward us on this holiday. All the members of the department are grateful for your support. Thank you!!

Guttenberg Police Department

04/14/2026

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