WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. – A former NFL player is facing serious charges in connection with a fire at a West Melbourne landscaping business.
Police say the suspect set fire to multiple company vehicles at Tropic Care of Florida after breaking into the property and taking a can of gas from an unlocked work vehicle Wednesday morning.
Recommended Videos
The fire caused major damage to vehicles and the business, police said.
West Melbourne police say their investigation identified Javian Hawkins as the suspect.
Detectives say Hawkins had recently been fired, and witnesses familiar with him identified him in surveillance footage.
Officers say evidence gathered during the investigation supports his involvement.
Hawkins was arrested and faces multiple charges, including arson and criminal mischief. He is being held at the Brevard County Jail.
Hawkins is a former NFL player. He played college football at the University of Louisville and spent time on multiple NFL practice squads, according to the league’s official website.