'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

Heartless Arsonist Sentenced: Woman Who Set 5-Year-Old’s Home Ablaze Faces Justice

Left inset: Taquida Hendrix (WHAM/YouTube). Right inset: Malakai Stovall (GoFundMe). Background: The…

Shocking Crime Spree: Man Commits 43 Murders to Conceal Mother’s Killing

Mass murderer Jack Gilbert Graham was executed on January 11, 1957, after…

Shocking Discovery: 14-Year-Old Girl’s Survival Story Living with Dogs for Months

In a disturbing case that has shocked an Alabama community, a couple…

Prime Minister Defends Choice of Former Judge for Bondi Attack Inquiry Amid Criticism

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese staunchly defended his decision to appoint former High…

Idaho Tragedy: Grandson Claims Self-Defense in Shocking Hatchet Incident

An Idaho resident has reportedly invoked self-defense in the fatal hatchet attack…

Unveiling the Mystery: Exclusive Footage of Missing Special Ed Teacher Linda Brown’s Last Known Movements

New insights have surfaced regarding the disappearance of Linda Brown, a special…

Teen Accused of Attempted Murder in Sydney’s West After Alleged Stabbing Incident

A teenage boy is scheduled to appear in court today, following an…

Trump Assassination Suspect Allegedly Threatened Presidential Life, Promised to ‘Paint the Town Red

Left: Donald Trump speaks at the annual Road to Majority conference in…

Appeals Court Halts Trump-Era Program Favoring Drug Makers Over Rural Hospitals and Low-Income Communities

President Donald Trump, left, speaks as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert…

Ashlee Buzzard Faces Court: Defense Seeks Permanent Gag Order in Child Murder Case

On Tuesday, Ashlee Buzzard, a woman accused of murdering her daughter in…

Heartbreaking Holiday Tale: Young Girl Excluded from Christmas Joy by Dad and Girlfriend

A Kansas couple faces serious charges after allegedly subjecting a young child…

Woman Escapes Moving Vehicle to Flee Assault, Sustains Severe Head Injury, Police Report

Inset: Thomas A. Welch (Moultrie County Jail). Background: Area in Kirksville, Illinois,…