Published on May 27, 2025
At approximately 10:30 a.m. on May 25, 2025, the Melbourne Police Department responded to the area of 961 E. Eau Gallie Boulevard. This location is under construction, converting the unoccupied business location into an Aldi’s. One of the construction workers observed a fire inside the construction area and called 911 for police assistance. As units arrived, the suspect fled on foot and managed to escape.
There were several fires started inside the construction area. The Melbourne Fire Department responded and extinguished the fires. The damage is estimated to be over $100k.
This is an active arson investigation. The Melbourne Police Department is working this as a joint investigation with the Department of Financial Services Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives.
After all units cleared the scene, the Melbourne Police Department was contacted by the Texas Roadhouse at 941 E. Eau Gallie Boulevard. An employee of the Texas Roadhouse was attacked while on the roof of the building performing maintenance to the refrigeration unit. At this point, it is unknown if the two cases are related. This incident is being investigated as a robbery under case number 2025-00046498.
The Criminal Investigations Unit is investigating this incident. If you have any information regarding this investigation, please call Detective Sudman at (321) 608-6474. You can provide information anonymously through by contacting Crimeline at www.crimeline.org or 800-423-TIPS (8477).