Former NFL player Javian Hawkins has been arrested after police accused him of setting fire to multiple vehicles at a Florida landscaping business shortly after he was fired.
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According to the West Melbourne Police Department, Hawkins broke into Tropic Care of Florida early Wednesday morning and took a gasoline can from an unlocked company vehicle, per News 6.
Investigators allege he then used the gasoline to ignite several vehicles on the property. Police said the fire caused extensive damage to the company's vehicles and business operations.
Detectives identified Hawkins as a suspect after reviewing surveillance footage from the property. Police said witnesses who knew Hawkins also identified him in the video.
Authorities said Hawkins had recently been fired from the landscaping company, though officials did not provide additional details about his termination or disclose a possible motive beyond the timing of the incident.
Police said additional evidence gathered during the investigation supported Hawkins' alleged involvement.
Hawkins was taken into custody and booked into the Brevard County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including arson and criminal mischief.
The 26-year-old played college football at Louisville before signing with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He later spent time with several NFL organizations, including the Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, primarily as a practice-squad player.
Hawkins did not appear in a regular-season NFL game.
Court information and details regarding his bond were not immediately available. The case remains under investigation.
