'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

Farmer Defends Tractors with Shotgun in Tense Repossession Standoff, Authorities Report

Inset: Cade Carter (Fremont County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Cade Carter’s Idaho property…

Tragic School Shooting Devastates Close-Knit Community

Canadians are in shock after one of the country’s deadliest mass shootings…

Kentucky Couple Faces Reckless Homicide Charges in Infant Death After Miscarriage Claim

In Kentucky, a couple is facing charges of reckless homicide and additional…

Outrage as Trump’s Attorney-General Dodges Accountability in Epstein Victims’ Appeal

“Could those who have yet to meet with the Department of Justice…

Tragedy in Canada: Rare Mass Shooting Leaves 10 Dead, Sparks National Outcry

In a tragic incident on Tuesday, a mass shooting at a high…

Report Reveals Heated Trump Debate Led to Father’s Gun Incident with Daughter

Lucy Harrison (Cheshire police). A Texas father’s tragic shooting of his daughter,…

Tragic End to Missing Wisconsin Woman’s Journey: Gabriella Cartagena Found Deceased Amid Heartbreaking Pleas

Authorities successfully located 24-year-old Gabriella Cartagena from Wisconsin on Tuesday, after she…

Teens in Study Gain 6 Pounds Over 5 Years While Residing in Self-Constructed Enclosures Using Baby Gates

Center: Susan Helton (Comal County Jail). Background: The makeshift cages Helton used…

Tragic Discovery: Police Uncover Deceased Newborn After Parents Report Miscarriage

Share A troubling case has emerged from Kentucky, where a mother and…

Woman Detained Following Dual Hit-and-Run Incidents; Apprehended with Assistance from Victim

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a dramatic turn of events, Maureen…

Florida Incident: Elderly Woman Blames 7-Year-Old Scooter Rider After Hit-and-Run Accident

An 82-year-old woman from Florida struck a 7-year-old boy on a scooter…

Chilling Courtroom Moment: Convicted Killer Smirks While Facing Sentencing for Family Annihilation

Inset: Marshawn Stepney (St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department). Background: The intersection near…