WEST MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — The West Melbourne Police Department has arrested a recently terminated employee accused of setting fire to three company trucks outside his former workplace earlier this week.
Javian A’Trell Hawkins, 26, was taken into custody Thursday, July 16, in connection with the July 15 arson at Tropic Care of Florida, located at 7635 Progress Circle. He is being held at the Brevard County Jail on no bond status pending his first court appearance.
What Happened
Officers responded to reports of multiple vehicles on fire outside the business in the early morning hours of July 15. When they arrived, they found three pickup trucks engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to the exterior of the commercial building. Brevard County Fire Rescue extinguished the blaze, and investigators quickly determined the circumstances were suspicious.
The Investigation
The case was investigated jointly by the West Melbourne Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and the Department of Financial Services Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations. Detectives used surveillance video, physical evidence, witness interviews, and an accelerant detection K-9 to piece together what happened.
Investigators say a suspect unlawfully entered the secured property, obtained gasoline from an unlocked work vehicle, and intentionally ignited multiple company vehicles, causing extensive damage to the vehicles and the business. Witnesses familiar with Hawkins identified him from surveillance footage, and additional evidence gathered during the investigation supported his involvement.
Charges
Hawkins faces the following charges:
- Burglary of a Structure or Conveyance While Armed with Explosives or a Dangerous Weapon
- Arson of a Structure or Business Establishment
- Three counts of Arson (Damaging a Structure or Vehicle)
- Criminal Mischief Over $1,000
Police Statement
“Arson is an intentional act that puts lives, businesses, and our community at risk. Thanks to the outstanding work of our detectives and our partnership with the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office, we were able to quickly identify and apprehend the individual responsible. We remain committed to ensuring those who commit these dangerous crimes are held fully accountable,” said Lieutenant Graig Erenstoft.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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