Man Arrested in Connection With Florida Fires

A 31-year-old Florida man has been arrested in connection with a string of fires in the Palm Bay and Malabar area that have destroyed at least 20 homes and damaged dozens of others. Police said Brian Crowder was seen by witnesses throwing a Molotov cocktail into a wooded area.

Crowder was arrested on probation violations and was being questioned by investigators about a series of wildfires that have been burning in the area since May 11. Palm Bay Police Chief Bill Berger said Crowder was seen throwing a glass bottle containing a flammable liquid that started a small fire that was quickly extinguished.

Police said Crowder has a criminal history of drug violations, burglary and theft charges dating back to 1996.

The fires have caused an estimated $3.5 million in damages, destroying 20 homes and damaging 140 other structures over a 15 square mile area. The fires forced the closure of parts of Interstate 95 and other highways.

A break in the weather helped firefighters bring most of the fires under control.

See Also:
Arrest Made in String of Florida Wildfires

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