TWO ANSONIA MEN ARRESTED IN GATISON PARK PLAYGROUND ARSON
ANSONIA, CT — October 7, 2026 — The Ansonia Police Department has arrested two Ansonia residents in connection with the October 3, 2026, arson that destroyed the playground at Gatison Park.
On October 3, 2026, at approximately 3:29 a.m., officers of the Ansonia Police Department and the Ansonia Fire Department were dispatched to Gatison Park, located in the area of Third Street and Fourth Street, for a report of a possible structure fire.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that the playground/playscape and the rubber safety matting beneath it were completely engulfed in flames. Members of the Ansonia Fire Department responded to the scene and successfully extinguished the fire.
Following an investigation, the Fire Marshal determined that the fire was not caused by a natural source, electrical equipment, or public utility equipment. There is no electrical power source servicing the playground. The fire was subsequently determined to have been intentionally set and was classified as arson.
Members of the Ansonia Police Department’s Patrol Division and Detective Division immediately began an investigation into the incident. Through the review of surveillance video and other investigative efforts, detectives were able to identify two suspects believed to be involved in the burning of the playground.
Based on information obtained during the investigation, members of the Detective Division secured two search and seizure warrants for the residences of the identified suspects.
On October 5, 2026, members of the Ansonia Police Department executed the two search warrants. During the searches, detectives recovered evidence that further supported the involvement of both suspects in the incident.
On October 7, 2026, detectives secured arrest warrants for Jayvon Johnson (DOB: 04/26/2007) and Jose Bordoy (DOB: 04/02/2007), both residents of Ansonia.
Johnson and Bordoy were subsequently arrested and charged with:
Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Mischief in the First Degree
Reckless Burning
Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Burning
Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree
Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree
Johnson posted a $25,000 bond and given a court date of 10/21/26 at Derby Superior Court. (Top photo)
Bordoy was held on a $25,000 bond and presented to Derby Superior Court on 10/08/26. (Bottom photo)
The Ansonia Police Department would like to thank the Ansonia Fire Department and the members of the Department’s Patrol and Detective Divisions who assisted with the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is being released at this time.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.