Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn announced three men have been charged in connection with a 2025 arson occurring on August 8 at a residence on Cedar Avenue in the Croydon section of Bristol Township.

Gavin Ross Montoya, 27, of the 800 block of Oak Avenue, Croydon; Charles William Vandenberg, 50, of the 1000 block of William Avenue, Croydon; and Thomas J. Parker, 36, of the 900 block of Oak Avenue, Croydon, were charged following an extensive investigation by the Bristol Township Police Department.

The investigation found Montoya early that day intentionally set on fire a van which was parked in the driveway outside a home at 713 Cedar Avenue.  The fire quickly spread to the side of the house. The investigation also found Vandenberg solicited Montoya to set the van on fire and that Parker drove Montoya to and from the scene of the fire with the belief that Montoya was going to rob one of the occupants of the home.

All five occupants of the residence, who were asleep at the time, were evacuated safely.

The investigation began when a Bristol Township Police Officer observed a white work van engulfed in flames. Detectives, along with other members of the Police Department, conducted a thorough investigation that included reviewing surveillance videos from multiple businesses and residences in the area.

Video footage from a neighboring residence showed an individual, later identified as Montoya, lighting an object, believed to be a flare, and throwing it into the van. Further investigation and review of additional surveillance footage led detectives to a gray/silver SUV, which was traced to its owner, Thomas Parker.

The investigation found that Parker gave Montoya a ride to the location so that he could rob someone for drugs. Parker dropped off Montoya at the corner of Cedar Avenue and State Road and waited for him to return after the robbery. When Montoya returned to the vehicle, he told Parker he set the van on fire, according to a criminal complaint.

Detectives served a search warrant on Montoya's cell phone, revealing a conversation he had with a person later identified as Charles Vandenberg. In the text conversation, Vandenberg told Montoya, "NEED THAT VAN TOURCHED," and Montoya replied, "CAN I GET 10GS IN 2 BAGS." Vandenberg also instructed Montoya to "GET ROAD FLARE."

Montoya and Vandenberg were charged with three counts of arson, six counts of recklessly endangering another person, and one count each of dangerous burning, possession of explosive or incendiary materials or devices, risking catastrophe, criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of crime, criminal use of a communication facility and conspiracy to commit arson. Vandenberg was also charged with criminal solicitation to commit arson. Parker was charged with criminal conspiracy to commit robbery and hindering apprehension.

Vandenberg was arraigned on Friday by Magisterial District Judge Terrence Hughes and was sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $350,000 bail. Montoya and Parker will be arraigned at a later time.

The investigation also examined the circumstances surrounding the death of Captain of Fire Police Ed Margavich of the Third District Volunteer Fire Company. Captain Margavich, 80, passed away on August 15 due to complications from a thigh bone fracture sustained after a fall at the fire station.

While his passing is rightfully honored as a line-of-duty death, the District Attorney’s investigation—along with a review of relevant Pennsylvania case law—determined that the law is such that the individuals responsible for the fire cannot criminally be held liable for his death due to the specific circumstances surrounding how Captain Margavich was injured.

The District Attorney’s Office joins the community in mourning the loss of Captain Margavich, who devoted nearly 65 years to serving and protecting others. His dedication saved and protected countless lives and properties and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

This case was investigated by the Bristol Township Police Department, led by Detective Michael Grebloski. This case is assigned for prosecution to Deputy District Attorney Alan J. Garabedian.

Media Contact: Manuel Gamiz Jr., 215.348.6298, mgamiz@buckscounty.org

Criminal charges are allegations subject to proof in court. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.