Credit: Bucks County District Attorney’s Office
Bucks County prosecutors have explained why they won’t charge three men accused in an August arson with the death of a fire police officer who died from injuries sustained after responding to the blaze.
Advertisements
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office stated that after an investigation and review of Pennsylvania case law, Charles William Vandenberg, 50; Gavin Ross Montoya, 27; and Thomas J. Parker, 36, cannot be held “criminally liable” for the death of Third District Fire Company Fire Police Officer Ed Margavich.
Margavich, 80, was directing traffic at the scene of the fire and later fell, breaking his femur. He died a week later from his injuries and ensuing sepsis.
Prosecutors said that while his death is a “line-of-duty death,” the specific circumstances of his injury don’t allow for charges against the men who started the fire.
Advertisements
The district attorney’s office joined the community in mourning Margavich, who “devoted nearly 65 years to serving and protecting others.”
The charges against the three men stem from an Aug. 8 fire at a home on Cedar Avenue in Croydon.
Advertisements
A work van was destroyed, and the home was badly damaged.
The fire was ruled an arson.
While five residents escaped unhurt after a passing Bristol Township police officer spotted flames and warned them, a cat died in the blaze.
Vandenberg faces 17 charges, including solicitation of arson and possession of explosive/incendiary material.
Advertisements
In text messages, he allegedly told Montoya he wanted the work van “torched.” Vandenberg reportedly told investigators he was only “involved in the littlest bit here,” and he is being held on $350,000 bail.
Montoya is in custody on a separate case and faces 14 charges, including arson and reckless endangerment.
Advertisements
Security camera footage allegedly shows Montoya throwing something in the back window of the van before the fire began. He later allegedly told Parker he lit the van on fire.
Parker is wanted on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and hindering apprehension.
Advertisements
He allegedly told police he was with Montoya, who said he was going to rob someone for drugs.
Parker claimed, “This was not supposed to go down this way.”
Advertisements
Advertisement
Meet Your Canna Coach: Personalized Guidance, Free for You!
Canna Remedies: Your Go-To Accessible and Convenient Dispensary
Shop Now: cannaremediesnj.com/shop
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
