'You are dead': Man waited for ex-girlfriend to pass him on highway, then followed her for 42 miles while trying to run her off the road, cops say
Share this @internewscast.com

Inset: Mark Ernest Hetzel (Palm Beach County Jail). Background: Florida’s Turnpike, where Hetzel allegedly followed his ex-girlfriend for 42 miles (Google Maps).

In an alarming incident on a Florida highway, a man allegedly pursued his former girlfriend for over 40 miles, attempting to force her off the road, authorities reported.

According to the arrest affidavit, the woman dialed 911 shortly before 4:30 p.m. on a Saturday, claiming that her ex-boyfriend, identified as 53-year-old Mark Ernest Hetzel, was tailing her on the highway.

She recounted entering Florida’s Turnpike at Commercial Boulevard, nearing Glades Road when she spotted a black Toyota parked on the shoulder. After she drove past it, the vehicle joined the traffic, persistently flashing its high beams in an apparent effort to get her to pull over.

Upon recognizing the driver as Hetzel, she accused him of trying to force her off the road and repeatedly cutting her off, the police documentation noted.

“She expressed that she feared for her life,” the affidavit revealed.

While remaining on the line with emergency services, the woman continued her drive along the highway for about 42 miles. Eventually, a Florida Highway Patrol officer intercepted Hetzel at mile marker 117 and pulled him over.

Hetzel allegedly told police he and the victim had been dating for about three years. His landlord told him the victim was leaving her home and he decided to wait for her on the highway.

Troopers also found out that a couple of days before the incident, Hetzel allegedly sent the victim a text message that said, “You are dead.”

Cops determined that the text message, coupled with the highway incident, was enough probable cause to arrest Hetzel on an aggravated stalking charge.

Hetzel was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he has since posted a $100,000 bond. His next court date is set for Jan. 19.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Babysitter Arrested for Severe Assault: Infant Suffers Brain Bleed After Violent Attack

Inset: Emily Duran (Allen County Jail). Background: The 100 block of West…

Man Asserts Self-Defense in Case of Wife’s Fatal Stabbing and Assault, Prosecutors Report

Inset: Hector Luvianos-Barrera (Kane County Sheriff”s Office). Background: The street where Luvianos-Barrera…

Ohio Woman Charged with Attempted Drowning and Physical Abuse of Children in Bathtub Incident

An Ohio woman has been formally charged with child abuse spanning a…

College Student Targeted by Mob After Reporting Burglary; Father’s Intervention Turns Deadly

Background: Jacob Bard appears in a Franklin County, Kentucky, court in December…

Elderly Woman’s Disappearance Leads to Shocking Backyard Discovery: Couple Arrested After Police Uncover Buried Body

Left: John Ryan. Middle: Investigators in Jackson, Mississippi, dig up a body…

Tragic Incident: Brothers Target Homes with Gunfire from AR-15 and AK-47 After Social Media Dispute, Resulting in the Death of a Sleeping 12-Year-Old Girl

Insets from left: Antawan Benson and Javen Conner (Montgomery County Prosecutor”s Office)…

Woman Accused of Fatally Shooting Boyfriend Over Car Dispute Asserts Video Evidence Could Clear Her Name, Sheriff Says It Strengthens Case Against Her

Courtney Renee Hooper (WOAI/YouTube). A Texas woman is accused of fatally shooting…

Tragic Incident: Georgia Man Fatally Shot During Evening Dog Walk with Wife

In a tragic incident at a Gainesville park, a Georgia resident was…

Tragic Morning: Father Discovers Daughter’s Death After Bringing Home Breakfast

Inset: Diane Grovola (Upper Darby Police Department). Background: The house where Grovola…

Tragic Discovery: Missing Kansas Boy Located Deceased in Missouri Ravine

A tragic turn of events has unfolded as a Kansas teenager, who…

Individual Accused of Public Nazi Salutes Faces Legal Action

A Canberra man has been charged with allegedly performing Nazi salutes in…

Justice Alito Criticizes Supreme Court’s Shadow Docket Decision Curbing Trump’s National Guard Authority

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito after…