Investigators: Croydon Fire Was Set Intentionally, Three Now Facing Charges
by Dan Doyle | September 21, 2025
Bristol Township, PA — Authorities have filed charges against three men in connection with an August arson in Croydon that led to the death of longtime fire police captain Edward “Ed” Margavich.
Investigators allege in court documents that 50-year-old Charles William Vandenberg of Croydon worked with two other men to ignite a fire on Cedar Avenue in the early morning hours of August 8. The blaze began in a work van and spread to a nearby home, causing significant damage and killing a family’s pet cat.
Vandenberg was arrested this week and is being held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10 percent of $350,000 bail. He is facing 17 charges, including arson, solicitation of arson, possession of incendiary materials, reckless endangerment, and risking catastrophe.
Two other Croydon men, ages 27 and 36, also face charges. One is accused of arson, while the other has been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. Both are expected to turn themselves in to police.
The fire prompted a large emergency response. Fire Police Captain Ed Margavich, 80, was injured while retrieving traffic control equipment after taking a quick personal at the Croydon Fire Company to assist at the scene. He suffered a serious leg injury and later died from medical complications. His death was ruled a line-of-duty death.
Margavich was honored with a full firefighter’s funeral, drawing mourners and first responders from across the region. While officials have connected his death to his service that morning, prosecutors have not filed homicide or manslaughter charges in the arson case.
Note: Criminal charges, and any reporting thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.