Man arrested after 39-year-old dies from overdose in Union County, police say

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MONROE, N.C. (WBTV) – A man was arrested after a 39-year-old died from an overdose in Union County in March, according to police.

Records showed 52-year-old Fredrick Bivens was charged with death by distribution on Saturday, June 28, and given a $1 million bond.

What happened

On March 4, police said they responded to calls for an unresponsive person at a home along Broome Street in Monroe.

Upon arrival, officers said they found Jerry Deese suffering from a medical emergency, and โ€œdespite rapid intervention and lifesaving efforts,โ€ he was pronounced dead.

His death was later determined to be the result of a drug overdose, according to police.

Investigation leads to Bivensโ€™ arrest

After an โ€œextensive investigation,โ€ officers said they identified Bivens as being responsible for supplying the drugs that led to Deeseโ€™s death.

Authorities advised that shortly after identifying Bivens as a suspect, he was apprehended and placed in the Union County Detention Center.

โ€œLet this case serve as a clear message: if you distribute deadly drugs in our community, you will be held accountable,โ€ said Chief Rhett Bolen. โ€œMy department remains fully committed to aggressively pursuing those who profit from narcotics and ensuring they face the consequences of their actions.โ€

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