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.
