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Cocoa Beach resident Walter Hite Jr. has been arrested following accusations that he persistently tracked his ex-girlfriend for months, employing GPS tracking devices and allegedly sending her threatening messages.
The incident unfolded on November 2, 2024, at around 12:09 p.m., when a Cocoa Beach Police Officer was approached by a woman who claimed her ex-boyfriend had been following her. The woman, who has not been named, reported that Hite had been shadowing her movements for an extended period. The situation reportedly escalated that evening when Hite showed up at the same restaurant where she was dining with her new partner.
According to police reports, Hite allegedly confronted the woman and her date, causing a public scene that prompted the couple to leave. Shortly afterward, the woman began receiving unsettling text messages, which she believed were from Hite, further fueling her concerns for her safety.
During the investigation, officers observed Hite driving suspiciously, including making repeated passes by a traffic stop without reason. When they eventually pulled him over, they discovered a GPS tracking device inside his vehicle. Alarmingly, a second tracking device was later located under the woman’s car, raising further concerns about the extent of his surveillance on her.
Walter Hite Jr. has been charged with several counts, including Installing a Tracking Device, Stalking, Cyberstalking, and failing to possess a state-issued license despite being a Florida resident. The nature of the charges reflects both the physical and digital harassment that the victim allegedly endured.
The Cocoa Beach Police Department has urged anyone with further information about this case to contact Detective Sergeant Payne of the Criminal Investigations Division at 321-868-3344.
Hite’s arrest highlights the growing issue of technology-facilitated stalking, where GPS and other tracking devices are increasingly being used in cases of domestic harassment. Law enforcement officials are emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activity and taking measures to secure personal privacy in light of these emerging threats.
