Additional Coverage:
- Florida man waited on highway shoulder for ex before running her off the road, cops say (themirror.com)
Boca Raton, FL – A Boca Raton man is facing serious charges after allegedly engaging in a high-speed chase with his ex-girlfriend on the Florida Turnpike, attempting to force her off the road. Mark Ernest Hetzel, 53, was arrested and charged with felony aggravated stalking following the harrowing incident.
Authorities state that Hetzel reportedly waited on the shoulder of the Florida Turnpike near Glades Road in Palm Beach, ambushing his ex-girlfriend, Amy Grace Price. Price, identified by the Boca Post, called 911 around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, reporting that her ex-boyfriend was actively pursuing her vehicle and that she “feared for her life.”
According to the probable cause arrest affidavit, Price told dispatchers she saw Hetzel’s black Toyota parked on the right shoulder as she approached the highway. She claims he then merged onto the roadway, flashing his high beams in an apparent attempt to compel her to pull over.
The pursuit continued for approximately 42 miles as authorities remained on the phone with the victim. Florida Highway Patrol Trooper N.
Sierra successfully intercepted and pulled over Hetzel at mile marker 117 in Jupiter, bringing the chase to an end. The incident originated near mile marker 93.
Upon questioning, Hetzel allegedly informed police that he and Price had been in a relationship for nearly three years. He claimed his landlord had informed him that she had vacated their shared residence, prompting him to wait for her on the Turnpike shoulder.
Further investigation by police uncovered a disturbing text message Hetzel had reportedly sent to Price just days before the incident, which chillingly stated, “You are dead.”
Both the alleged highway pursuit and the threatening text message provided sufficient probable cause for Hetzel’s arrest on aggravated stalking charges, a felony under Florida law. He was subsequently booked into Palm Beach County Jail. Hetzel has since posted a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on January 19.