A registered sexual predator is in custody after deputies say he removed his ankle monitor.
On the morning of April 6, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Department of Corrections Probation and Parole that Russell Kevin Hetzel, 27, had removed his state-issued electronic monitoring device.
The ankle monitor was found lying in the roadway near the crossroads of Hodza Street and Garfield Avenue in Masaryktown, deputies say.
Deputies noted it appeared Hetzel, who lives in Masaryktown, had used a sharp object to cut the strap to the ankle monitor, which set off the alarm.
While canvassing the area for leads to Hetzel’s whereabouts, deputies determined that Hetzel might be located near the railroad tracks in near Washington Avenue.
When deputies arrived, they immediately spotted Hetzel, who ran and attempted to hide in a nearby tent. When deputies ordered him to come out of the tent, Hetzel once again ran from authorities.
Following a short chase, deputies were able to take Hetzel into custody. Deputies said Hetzel continued to struggle until he was handcuffed.
Hetzel was charged with violations of probation, destroy/damage/alter an electronic monitoring device and resisting an officer without violence. He is being held on a no bond status.