Florida Man Charged After Waiting on Highway to Follow Ex-Girlfriend 42 Miles While Trying to Run Her Off the Road, Police Say
FLORIDA — A Florida man is facing aggravated stalking charges after police say he waited on the shoulder of a highway for his ex-girlfriend, then followed her for more than 40 miles, repeatedly cutting her off and attempting to run her off the road while she stayed on the phone with 911 dispatchers in fear for her life.
Authorities identified the suspect as Mark Ernest Hetzel, 53, according to a Florida Highway Patrol arrest affidavit.
Victim Spots Ex Waiting on Highway Shoulder
According to the affidavit, the victim called 911 shortly before 4:30 p.m. Saturday to report that her ex-boyfriend was following her on Florida’s Turnpike.
She told dispatchers she entered the turnpike at Commercial Boulevard and was approaching Glades Road when she noticed a black Toyota parked on the right shoulder of the highway. As she passed the vehicle, it merged into traffic behind her and began flashing its high beams, as if attempting to pull her over.
The victim soon realized the driver was Hetzel, police said.
‘She Was in Fear for Her Life,’ Police Say
Once behind her, Hetzel allegedly cut her off repeatedly and attempted to run her off the roadway, according to troopers.
“She stated she was in fear for her life,” the arrest affidavit noted.
The victim remained on the phone with 911 for approximately 42 miles as the dangerous pursuit continued along the turnpike. Dispatchers stayed with her until a Florida Highway Patrol trooper was able to intercept the suspect.
Trooper Stops Suspect After 42-Mile Pursuit
Troopers ultimately stopped Hetzel at mile marker 117, ending the chase. No injuries were reported.
During questioning, Hetzel told police that he and the victim had dated for about three years. He claimed that his landlord told him the woman was leaving her home, prompting him to wait for her on the highway, according to the affidavit.
Chilling Text Message Raises Alarm
Investigators uncovered additional evidence that escalated the case. Police said that just days before the incident, Hetzel allegedly sent the victim a text message that read:
“You are dead.”
Troopers determined that the threatening message, combined with the extended highway pursuit, constituted probable cause for an arrest on aggravated stalking charges.
Arrest, Bond, and Court Date
Hetzel was taken into custody and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail, where he later posted a $100,000 bond, jail records show.
He is scheduled to appear in court on January 19.
Case Highlights Dangers of Stalking on Roadways
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the incident underscores the extreme danger of stalking behaviors, particularly when they unfold on high-speed roadways where innocent drivers can also be put at risk.
Authorities did not release details about whether the victim had a prior protection order against Hetzel, but said the investigation remains ongoing.
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