Three men have been charged in connection with a 2025 arson that endangered five sleeping residents in the Croydon section of Bristol Township, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn announced.
Gavin Ross Montoya, 27; Charles William Vandenberg, 50; and Thomas J. Parker, 36 — all of Croydon — face charges following an in-depth investigation conducted by the Bristol Township Police Department, led by Detective Michael Grebloski.
The charges stem from an incident on August 8, 2025, when Montoya intentionally set fire to a white work van parked in the driveway at 713 Cedar Avenue. The flames quickly spread to the adjacent residence, where five people were inside at the time. All occupants were safely evacuated without injury.
Investigators determined that Vandenberg had solicited Montoya to set the van on fire. Parker served as the driver, transporting Montoya to and from the scene. Parker reportedly believed Montoya was committing a robbery related to drugs.
Surveillance footage from neighboring properties showed Montoya lighting what appeared to be a road flare and throwing it into the van. Additional footage helped identify the getaway vehicle, a gray/silver SUV registered to Parker. After the incident, Montoya allegedly told Parker he had set the van on fire.
A search warrant for Montoya’s phone revealed a text exchange with Vandenberg, in which Vandenberg instructed Montoya to “NEED THAT VAN TOURCHED,” and Montoya replied, “CAN I GET 10GS IN 2 BAGS.” Vandenberg also advised him to “GET ROAD FLARE.”
Montoya and Vandenberg were both 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, risking catastrophe, criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of crime, criminal use of a communication facility, and conspiracy to commit arson. Vandenberg additionally faces a charge of criminal solicitation to commit arson.
Parker was charged with criminal conspiracy to commit robbery and hindering apprehension.
Vandenberg was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Terrence Hughes and remains in custody at the Bucks County Correctional Facility under $350,000 bail. Montoya and Parker are scheduled to be arraigned at a later date.
The investigation also reviewed the circumstances surrounding the death of Ed Margavich, the 80-year-old Fire Police Captain of the Third District Volunteer Fire Company. Captain Margavich died on August 15 due to complications from a fractured thigh bone sustained in a fall at the fire station.
While his death is officially recognized as a line-of-duty death, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, after reviewing relevant Pennsylvania case law, determined that the individuals responsible for the fire cannot legally be held criminally liable for his passing due to how the injury occurred.
District Attorney Schorn extended her condolences, noting that Captain Margavich dedicated nearly 65 years to public service and that his loss will be deeply felt by the community.
The case will be prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Alan J. Garabedian.
