'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

Riviera Beach Resident Arrested for Allegedly Stalking Shands Healthcare Professional

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a concerning development, Dylan Allen Sangricco,…

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…

Repeat Offender Apprehended in Connection with December 5 Ridgeview Neighborhood Shooting

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have apprehended 43-year-old Jermaine Williams, charging him with…

Individual Accused of Public Nazi Salutes Faces Legal Action

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

Tragic Discovery: Suspect Apprehended After Missing Person Found Buried

A distressing case in north Texas has shifted from a search for…

Tragic Discovery: Missing Kansas Boy Located Deceased in Missouri Ravine

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

Mother Describes Heartbreaking Discovery of 7-Year-Old Daughter’s Condition Following Alleged Abuse by Her and Partner, Police Report

Insets, from left to right: Jessica Savangsy, Retuquel Dupree and Savangsy’s 7-year-old…

Tragic Case: Police Hunt for Mother Allegedly Involved in Infant’s Bath Time Drowning Amid Drug Use

Inset: Briana Arnold (Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations). Background: The apartment complex…

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)…

Tragic Family Incident: Man Allegedly Kills Half-Brother, Endangers Children with Gas Leak

Inset: Zackary Brodowski (Redlands Police Department). Background: The apartment complex where Brodowski…

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…

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

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