Drew Barrymore’s Alleged Stalker Arrested and Charged in New York

Abbey White
·2 min read

Chad Michael Busto, the man who delivered an unsettling message to Drew Barrymore from the crowd at a 92nd Street Y event in New York earlier this week, has been arrested on suspicion of stalking.

The 43-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., was arrested Thursday at 11:59 p.m. local time by the Southampton Town Police and booked in relation to a misdemeanor charge of stalking in the fourth degree, according to a press release sent by Lt. Todd Spencer, a spokesperson for the department.

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Busto was held overnight before appearing Monday morning in Southampton Town Justice Court, where he pleaded not guilty and was released without bail after agreeing to stay away from Barrymore and wear a tracking device for 60 days, reports ABC 7. Busto’s next court appearance is set for Sept. 12.

The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to the Suffolk County District Attorney and Southampton Town Justice Court.

The arrest comes just a day after the Southampton PD received a 911 call regarding a suspicious person in the Village of Sagaponack, Town of Southampton. Busto allegedly rode a bicycle into private driveways, where he told area residents he was looking for Barrymore’s residence. Officers detained him briefly on Wednesday for questioning, and he was released.

As part of a follow-up investigation, the department’s detective division was notified of Busto’s alleged conduct and, coupled with previously reported incidents, “led to facts that substantiated a charge for stalking,” according to the department. On Thursday afternoon, East Hampton Town Police located Busto, taking him into custody before turning him over to Southampton police.

On Monday night, Barrymore was escorted off the stage during a 92nd Street Y event tied to the release of new music from fellow actress Reneé Rapp. Only a few minutes after Barrymore and Rapp had settled into their seats, Busto shouted the talk show host’s name and briskly walked down the aisle toward the front of the theater.

After Barrymore, whose vision was obstructed, gave a brief hello while looking out into the crowd, Busto responded, “You know who I am. I need to see you at some point while I’m in New York.” Rapp quickly stood and walked in front of Barrymore before putting an arm around the actress and escorting Barrymore quickly off the stage. A member of the venue’s security team then removed Busto, who was in the front row of the auditorium, from the theater.

Following the disturbance, Rapp and Barrymore returned to the stage and briefly referenced the incident before continuing with the planned event. “I have a new definition of your sexiness. It’s that level of protectiveness,” Barrymore said in response to Rapp’s swift action. “OK, so what were we talking about?”

No reports were filed concerning the Monday night incident, according to the New York Police Department.

12:30 p.m. Updated with new trial date, plea and conditions of release.

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