LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Former Louisville running back Javian Hawkins was arrested in Florida after authorities accused him of setting fire to vehicles at the landscaping business where he had recently worked.
Hawkins, 26, was arrested Thursday by the West Melbourne Police Department and is being held in the Brevard County Jail on a $280,000 bond.
According to police, Hawkins is accused of entering the secured property of Tropic Care of Florida early Wednesday morning, taking gasoline from an unlocked work vehicle and intentionally setting three company pickup trucks on fire. Investigators said the flames spread to the company's building, causing extensive damage.
Police said Hawkins had recently been fired from the landscaping business.
He faces charges including arson of a structure or business, three counts of arson, burglary and felony criminal mischief.
Hawkins starred at Louisville during the 2019 season, rushing for 1,525 yards and nine touchdowns while earning first-team All-ACC honors after transferring from junior college. He followed that by rushing for 822 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games during the COVID-shortened 2020 season before opting out in November to prepare for the NFL Draft.
Although he went undrafted in 2021, Hawkins signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent and later spent time with the Tennessee Titans and the Los Angeles Rams. He was a member of the Rams organization during its Super Bowl LVI championship season.
Business owner Tony Romano told WFTV, the ABC affiliate in Orlando, the company suffered catastrophic damage but plans to rebuild.
"There's no answer for why anyone would do this," Romano told the station. "This hurts a number of families."
West Melbourne police said investigators identified Hawkins through surveillance video, witness interviews and physical evidence collected during the investigation.
His next court appearance is scheduled for early August.
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