A Florida man is facing stalking and burglary charges after police say he was caught heading toward his ex-girlfriend’s house around midnight—while wearing a ski mask in sweltering summer heat. When questioned, the man claimed it was “kind of cold out,” a flimsy excuse that officers quickly dismissed given the 80-degree night temperatures.
The bizarre incident unfolded when a neighbor noticed the masked man acting suspiciously near the woman’s property and called authorities. Deputies responded quickly and found the man walking down the street, clad in dark clothing and the ski mask. After initially trying to avoid questioning, he eventually admitted he had been “thinking” about visiting his ex, but claimed it was innocent.
According to the police report, the woman had previously filed for a restraining order, stating the man had been repeatedly showing up at her home uninvited and leaving unwanted messages. The midnight encounter—combined with his attire—raised serious red flags for law enforcement, who described the situation as “highly premeditated and concerning.”
Investigators say the suspect had no legitimate reason to be in the area and that his claim of wearing a ski mask due to the weather was “absurd” given the Florida heat. Officers noted that the man had no jacket or cold-weather gear, only the mask and gloves, suggesting he was attempting to hide his identity.
The man was taken into custody and is now facing multiple charges, including stalking, attempted burglary, and violating a restraining order. Authorities praised the alert neighbor for calling in the suspicious activity, which they believe may have prevented a more serious crime. The case serves as a chilling reminder that vigilance and quick action can make a critical difference.
