Arson at PGA National: Dwyer senior felt 'disrespected,' torched classmate's car, police say
(This story was updated to add new information.)
PALM BEACH GARDENS — An 18-year-old William T. Dwyer High School student set fire to a classmate's car outside his home in PGA National late one night last month, Palm Beach Gardens police alleged in arresting him late Wednesday.
Drake Hansen of North Palm Beach is facing a charge of second-degree arson in the Jan. 26 fire at the residence of Koden Brown, a quarterback on the Panthers' football team, according to court documents.
The fire totaled Brown's 2024 Volkswagen Jetta and put homes in his neighborhood along Glengarry Road at risk. Police said in Hansen's arrest report that a person who traveled to the house that night with him said Hansen believed Brown "had disrespected him" but offered no details about why.
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"Investigators determined this was an intentional and targeted case of arson," Palm Beach Gardens police said in a prepared statement.
A judge on Thursday morning set Hansen's bail at $20,000 and appointed a public defender to represent him during a hearing at the Palm Beach County Jail, according to online court records. As a policy, the county Public Defender's Office does not comment on open cases.
Online records indicate Hansen pitches and plays outfield and first base for Dwyer. He was a member of the schools Class 6A state championship team last year.
Police ask that anyone with information about the fire to contact them at (561) 799-4445. They say the investigation remains open and that officers may make more arrests "as the investigation unfolds."
This is a breaking story. Check back to PalmBeachPost.com for updates.
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Maya Washburn covers northern Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida-Network. Reach her at mwashburn@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.
Tom Elia is an editor at The Palm Beach Post, overseeing coverage of public safety, the courts and Palm Beach County's northern and western communities. You can reach him at telia@pbpost.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach Gardens police arrest Dwyer High student in car fire
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