Chad Michael Busto, the man who recently disrupted a 92nd Street Y event in New York and delivered an unsettling message to Drew Barrymore, has been arrested on suspicion of stalking. The 43-year-old resident of Washington, D.C. was apprehended by the Southampton Town Police and is now facing a misdemeanor charge of stalking in the fourth degree.
According to a press release from Lt. Todd Spencer, a spokesperson for the department, Busto was arrested on Thursday at 11:59 p.m. local time. He is being held overnight and is set to appear in Southampton Town Justice Court. This arrest comes just a day after Busto was detained by the Southampton PD following a 911 call regarding a suspicious person in the Village of Sagaponack.
During this incident, Busto had allegedly ridden his bicycle into private driveways, telling area residents that he was looking for Barrymore’s residence. While officers detained him briefly for questioning on the same day, he was eventually released. However, as part of a follow-up investigation, the detective division discovered evidence that substantiated a charge for stalking, based on Busto’s previous conduct. Wanted fliers were then distributed to neighboring agencies as part of the investigation.
On Thursday afternoon, the East Hampton Town Police located Busto and took him into custody before handing him over to the Southampton Town Police for arrest processing.
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The incident that sparked this series of events occurred on Monday night during a 92nd Street Y event tied to the release of new music from actress Reneé Rapp. Barrymore was on stage with Rapp when Busto shouted her name and walked briskly towards the front of the theater. Although Barrymore’s vision was obstructed, she managed to greet Busto. He responded by stating, “You know who I am. I need to see you at some point while I’m in New York.”
Rapp immediately stood up, walked in front of Barrymore, and put her arm around the actress before escorting her off the stage. Venue security then removed Busto from the theater.
Following the disturbance, Rapp and Barrymore returned to the stage and briefly addressed the incident before continuing with the event. Barrymore praised Rapp’s quick action and expressed her gratitude for the level of protectiveness demonstrated by her fellow actress.
It is worth noting that no reports were filed regarding the disruption on Monday night, according to the New York Police Department.
The arrest of Chad Michael Busto sheds light on the importance of personal security and the potential dangers faced by individuals in the public eye. Celebrities and public figures often become targets of unwanted attention, sometimes leading to stalking or harassment incidents. These incidents highlight the need for increased security measures and the importance of protecting the well-being of individuals in the public eye.
Stalking is a serious crime that can cause severe emotional distress and physical harm to victims. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to take swift and appropriate action in response to such incidents. Additionally, the legal system should ensure that perpetrators of stalking are held accountable for their actions, in order to deter future occurrences.
Incidents like the one involving Drew Barrymore and Chad Michael Busto serve as reminders of the challenges faced by celebrities and the need for comprehensive security measures both in public and private spaces. It is essential for public figures to have adequate support systems in place to ensure their safety and well-being.
In conclusion, the arrest of Chad Michael Busto for stalking serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by celebrities and the importance of personal security. Incidents like these highlight the need for increased awareness and preventative measures to protect public figures from unwanted attention and potential harm. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies and the legal system to address stalking cases promptly and effectively to ensure the safety of individuals in the public eye.
