A Pennsylvania man was arrested after a Florida woman accused him of threatening to kill her following a short online relationship that began on Instagram.
Pennsylvania Man Arrested Over Online Threats
Hector Manuel Cruz, 29, was taken into custody in Girard, Pennsylvania, after Winter Haven police in Florida issued a warrant for his arrest.
According to investigators, the woman told police she met Cruz on Instagram about a month earlier and the two began a long-distance romantic relationship.
Woman Says Relationship Turned Aggressive
Police said Cruz later became jealous and controlling, accusing the woman of talking to other men if she did not reply to his messages quickly.
Authorities said the pair exchanged text messages and nude photos during the relationship. The woman told police Cruz would go into “jealous rages” and allegedly threatened her by saying, “I hate cheaters and if you cheat on me, I’ll shoot you.”
Nude Photos Allegedly Sent to Supervisor
Investigators said Cruz knew where the woman worked and allegedly sent her private photos to her supervisor. Police also said he sent threatening messages to the supervisor and her husband.
The woman reportedly ended the relationship after about a month, but Cruz allegedly continued contacting her through different phone numbers and social media accounts.
Police said he also threatened to travel to Florida.
Suspect Awaiting Extradition to Florida
Authorities tracked Cruz to Pennsylvania, where local officers arrested him.
He now faces charges including written threats to kill, sexual cyber harassment, misuse of a communication device, and harassing phone calls.
Police said Cruz is expected to be extradited to Florida.
