'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

Tragic Incident: Man Allegedly Fatally Stabs Pregnant Wife as Children Remain at Home, Authorities Report

Inset: Mario Alejandro Ramirez (Broward County Sheriff”s Office). Background: The apartment complex…

California Tragedy: Man Fatally Attacks Half Brother, Endangers Sleeping Children with Gas Leak

A 32-year-old man from California has been taken into custody, facing charges…

Tragic Shooting at Chipotle: Suspect Evades Capture with Accomplices

Inset left: Tymari Albertson (George Lopes Funeral Home). Inset middle: Cevannah Alvarez…

Police Urge Federal Judge to Enforce Law and Prompt Capitol Architect to Install Long-Delayed January 6 Memorial Plaque

Left: Jan. 6 rioters during the 2021 Capitol attack (Department of Justice).…

Shocking Incident: Woman Confronted by Armed Assailant in Police Station Parking Lot

A woman has been slashed on the arm after a man followed…

Unraveling the Mystery: The Chilling Disappearance of the ‘Polaroid Girl’ on Her Bike

Balancing her studies at the University of New Mexico with a job…

Road Rage Escalates: Man Faces Charges for Alleged Hammer Assault

A man faces charges following an alleged hammer attack on another driver,…

Tragic Case of 6-Year-Old’s Death Sparks Potential Murder Charges: The Heartbreaking Reality of Abuse and Neglect

Inset left to right: Susan Robinson, Tonya McKnight, and Tery’n McKnight (Mecklenburg…

Father and Daughter Face Incest Charges Following DNA Confirmation of Paternity of Her Infant Son

A shocking case emerged last week in North Carolina when a father…

Tragic Texas Dispute: Woman Fatally Shoots Boyfriend Over Car and Cell Phone Clash

In the early hours of Wednesday, authorities apprehended a Texas woman, charging…

Starke Resident Apprehended for 2023 Burglary and Firearm Theft: Latest Developments in Ongoing Investigation

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 23-year-old Starke resident, Isaiah Sa’ron Williams,…

Deputies: Mother Accused of Harmful Act Against Infant Following Altercation

Shaniqua Gibson (Raleigh County Sheriff”s Office). A mother from West Virginia has…